RFID identification systems for surgical instruments

ABSTRACT

A surgical device for applying clips is disclosed including a cartridge, an RFID tag, and a controller. The cartridge includes a plurality of clips. A crimping drive is configured to move a first jaw and a second jaw to a closed position during a crimping stroke. One of the plurality of clips is crimped around tissue during the crimping stroke. Stored data on the RFID tag relates to an identifying characteristic of at least one of the plurality of clips within the cartridge. An RFID scanner is configured to receive a first signal from the RFID tag in response to an interrogation signal. The first signal includes the stored data on the RFID tag. A controller in communication with the RFID scanner is configured to compare the stored data to a set of compatibility data and vary an operational parameter of the surgical device based on the stored data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/868,457, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS, filed onJun. 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousembodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staplecartridges therefor that are designed to cut and staple tissue. Invarious embodiments, RFID technology can be used to identify thecomponents of a surgical instrument, such as staple cartridges, forexample. Examples of surgical systems which use RFID technology can befound in the disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 7,959,050, entitledELECTRICALLY SELF-POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE, whichissued on Jun. 14, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015/0053743,entitled ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTASSEMBLIES, which published on Feb. 26, 2015, and both of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a surgical device for applying clips isdisclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft extending froma housing, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, acartridge, a crimping drive, an RFID tag including stored data, an RFIDscanner configured to send an interrogation signal to the RFID tag andreceive a first signal from the RFID tag in response to theinterrogation signal, and a controller in communication with the RFIDscanner. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. Thefirst jaw and the second jaw are movable relative to each other betweenan open position and a closed position. The cartridge includes a storagechamber and a plurality of clips removably positioned within the storagechamber. The crimping drive is configured to move the first jaw and thesecond jaw to the closed position during a crimping stroke. One of theplurality of clips is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke. The stored data on the RFID tag relates to anidentifying characteristic of at least one of the plurality of clipswithin the cartridge. The first signal includes the stored data on theRFID tag. The controller is configured to compare the stored datareceived by the RFID scanner to a set of compatibility data stored in amemory of the controller and vary an operational parameter of thesurgical device based on the stored data received by the RFID scanner.

In various embodiments, a surgical device for applying clips isdisclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft extending froma housing, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, a clipincluding an RFID tag, a crimping drive, an RFID scanner, and acontroller in communication with the RFID scanner. The end effectorincludes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relativeto the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. TheRFID tag includes stored data. The stored data on the RFID tag isrepresentative of the clip. The crimping drive is configured to move thefirst jaw and the second jaw to the closed position during a crimpingstroke. The clip is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the storeddata on the RFID tag. The controller is configured to determine if theclip is compatible for use with the surgical device by comparing thestored data received by the RFID scanner to a set of compatibility data,permit the surgical device to perform a function when the controllerdetermines the clip is compatible for use with the surgical device, andprevent the surgical device from performing the function when thecontroller determines the clip is incompatible for use with the surgicaldevice.

In various embodiments, a surgical device for applying clips isdisclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft extending froma housing, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, acartridge, a crimping drive, an RFID tag including stored data, an RFIDscanner configured to communicate with the RFID tag, and a controller incommunication with the RFID scanner. The end effector includes a firstjaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are movablerelative to each other between an open position and a closed position.The cartridge includes a storage chamber and a plurality of clipsremovably positioned within the storage chamber. The crimping drive isconfigured to move the first jaw and the second jaw to the closedposition during a crimping stroke. One of the plurality of clips iscrimped around tissue of a patient during the crimping stroke. Thestored data on the RFID tag relates to an identifying characteristic ofthe plurality of clips within the cartridge. The RFID scanner isconfigured to receive the stored data from the RFID tag. The controlleris configured to compare the stored data received by the RFID scanner toa set of authenticity data, permit the surgical device to perform thecrimping stroke when the controller determines that the plurality ofclips are authentic, and prevent the surgical device from performing thecrimping stroke when the controller determines that the plurality ofclips are inauthentic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of various surgical instruments and supplementalcomponents for use with the surgical instruments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a packaging, wherein the packagingcomprises an identifying characteristic of the supplemental componentcontained therein;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical staplinginstrument system comprising a mounting member and a supplementalcomponent, wherein the mounting member comprises an RFID tag;

FIG. 4 is a representation of an RFID system for use with the surgicalinstruments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representative of a process of a controller formodifying at least one operational parameter based on an identifiedsupplemental component;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a surgical clip appliercomprising an RFID system;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart representative of a process of a controller forcontrolling the performance of a crimping stroke based on the detectionof an RFID tag;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart representative of a process of a controller forcontrolling the performance of a crimping stroke based on the monitoringof multiple RFID tags;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representative of a process of a controller fordetecting the compatibility of an attached clip;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart representative of a process of a controller formonitoring the number of clips remaining in a clip cartridge;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a surgical suturing devicecomprising an RFID system;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising ahandle, a shaft, and an articulatable end effector;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a firing member and a pinion gearpositioned within the handle of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the firing member and the pinion gearof FIG. 14 and a gear reducer assembly operably engaged with the piniongear;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 12 with portionsthereof removed to illustrate the firing member and the pinion gear ofFIG. 14 , the gear reducer assembly of FIG. 15 , and an electric motorconfigured to drive the firing member distally and/or proximallydepending on the direction in which the electric motor is turned;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a clip applier;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of the clip applierof FIG. 17 comprising a removable clip cartridge, a reciprocating firingdrive for sequentially advancing the clips, a receiver for receiving theclips, and a crimping drive for deforming the clips;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the clip applier of FIG. 17in an open configuration;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the clip applier of FIG. 17in a closed configuration;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18 in anunfired condition;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18illustrating the firing drive in a partially fired condition in which afiring member of the firing drive has advanced a clip into the receiver;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18illustrating the firing drive coming into engagement with the crimpingdrive;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 18illustrating the crimping drive in an at least partially firedcondition;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a clip illustrated in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a cartridge illustrated in FIG. 18 comprisinga plurality of clips with portions of the cartridge removed toillustrate the clips stored in the cartridge;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the cartridge of FIG. 26 illustrated withportions removed to illustrate the clips stored in the cartridge;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 26 takenalong line 28-28 in FIG. 27 ;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a surgical suturing instrumentcomprising a handle, a shaft, and an end effector;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan view of the surgical suturing instrument ofFIG. 29 ;

FIG. 31 is a partial plan view of the surgical suturing instrument ofFIG. 29 , wherein the end effector is in an articulated state;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of the surgical suturinginstrument of FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view of the surgical suturinginstrument of FIG. 29 , wherein the end effector is in an articulatedand rotated state;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a surgical suturing instrument handlecomprising a motor; and

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of a suturing cartridge for use with asurgical suturing system.

DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 30, 2019 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,104, entitled METHOD FOR        AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A        SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2020/0405301;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,108, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0405436;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,111, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE        COMPONENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2020/0405437;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,114, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0405438;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,105, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0015914;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,110, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405297;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,120, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE        CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2020/0405303;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,125, entitled SURGICAL        STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0405441; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,103, entitled PACKAGING        FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405296.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 30, 2019 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,107, entitled METHOD OF        USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY, now U.S.        Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405311;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,109, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405312;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,119, entitled MECHANISMS        FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2020/0405314;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,115, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION        FUNCTIONALITY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.        2020/0405313;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,117, entitled SURGICAL        SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS,        now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405439;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,121, entitled SURGICAL        SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS, now U.S. Patent Application        Publication No. 2020/0405440;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,106, entitled RFID        IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0405316;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,112, entitled SURGICAL        RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0405409;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,116, entitled SURGICAL        RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION, now U.S. Patent        Application Publication No. 2020/0410180; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/458,118, entitled SURGICAL        RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL, now        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0405410.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on May 1, 2018 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,129,        entitled SURGICAL SUTURING SYSTEMS;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,139,        entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING CONTROL SYSTEMS;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,177,        entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,128,        entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,192,        entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS; AND    -   U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/665,134,        entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Aug. 24, 2018 which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,129, entitled SURGICAL        SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUE USING        MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,155, entitled SURGICAL        SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER        THAN TROCAR DIAMETER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,168, entitled SURGICAL        SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,180, entitled ELECTRICAL        POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,193, entitled REACTIVE        ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,099, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,112, entitled CONTROL        SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,119, entitled ADAPTIVE        CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE        TYPE OF CARTRIDGE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,097, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,109, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,114, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,117, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,095, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTOR SOCKET;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,121, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,151, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION        COMPENSATION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,154, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,226, entitled SURGICAL        INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR        HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,062, entitled SURGICAL        DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,098, entitled SURGICAL        DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,237, entitled SURGICAL        CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,245, entitled SURGICAL        CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,249, entitled SURGICAL        CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,253, entitled SURGICAL        CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/112,257, entitled SURGICAL        CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO A STRAIN        GAUGE CIRCUIT.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Oct. 26, 2018 which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,130, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING INTERCHANGEABLE CLIP RELOADS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,066, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING A MOVABLE CLIP MAGAZINE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,078, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE CLIP MAGAZINE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,087, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING CLIP ADVANCING SYSTEMS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,094, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING A CLIP CRIMPING SYSTEM;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,128, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING A RECIPROCATING CLIP ADVANCING MEMBER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,168, entitled CLIP        APPLIER COMPRISING A MOTOR CONTROLLER;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,164, entitled SURGICAL        SYSTEM COMPRISING A SURGICAL TOOL AND A SURGICAL HUB; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/172,303, entitled METHOD FOR        OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATING MULTI-CLIP APPLIER.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications, filed on Dec. 4, 2018, the disclosure of each of which isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,385, titled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,395, titled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,403, titled METHOD OF        CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,407, titled METHOD OF        ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,416, titled METHOD OF        HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,423, titled METHOD OF        COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY        DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,427, titled METHOD OF        USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO        OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,433, titled METHOD OF        SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT,        ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND        COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE        HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,447, titled METHOD FOR        SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,453, titled METHOD FOR        CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,458, titled METHOD FOR        SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,465, titled METHOD FOR        ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND        INTERACTION;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,478, titled METHOD FOR        SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK        CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON A SENSED        SITUATION OR USAGE;    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,490, titled METHOD FOR        FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION; and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/209,491, titled METHOD FOR        CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON        SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.

Before explaining various aspects of surgical devices and systems indetail, it should be noted that the illustrative examples are notlimited in application or use to the details of construction andarrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddescription. The illustrative examples may be implemented orincorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications and may bepracticed or carried out in various ways. Further, unless otherwiseindicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosenfor the purpose of describing the illustrative examples for theconvenience of the reader and are not for the purpose of limitationthereof. Also, it will be appreciated that one or more of thefollowing-described aspects, expressions of aspects, and/or examples,can be combined with any one or more of the other following-describedaspects, expressions of aspects and/or examples.

Various surgical systems and instruments (e.g. surgical staplinginstrument, surgical clip applier, surgical suturing instrument) aredescribed in connection with the present disclosure. The surgicalsystems and/or instruments comprise a radio-frequency identification(RFID) system that includes one or more RFID scanners and one or moreRFID tags, as will be discussed in greater detail below. Examples ofsurgical systems which use RFID technology are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,959,050 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015/0053743, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used in a variety of industriesto track and identify objects. RFID relies on radio waves to transferdigitally-stored information from a RFID tag to a RFID reader orreceiver configured to receive the information. RFID technology usesRFID tags, sometimes referred to as chips, which containelectronically-stored information, and RFID readers, which serve toidentify and communicate with the RFID tags. There are two differenttypes of RFID systems—active RFID systems and passive RFID systems.Active RFID systems include RFID tags that comprise an on-board powersource to broadcast their signals. Active RFID tags can include abattery within the RFID tag which allows the active RFID tag to functionindependently from the RFID reader. As such, RFID tags in an active RFIDsystem do not need to wait to receive a signal from a RFID reader beforesending out information. Instead, the active RFID tags are free tocontinuously send out a signal, or beacon. Many commercially availableactive RFID systems often operate at one of two main frequencyranges—433 MHz and 915 MHz, but any suitable frequency range can beused. Typically, a RFID tag must be within a specific distance orfrequency range in order to be identified by its corresponding RFIDreader.

Passive RFID systems include RFID tags which do not comprise an on-boardpower source but instead receive the energy needed to operate from anRFID reader. Contrary to active RFID tags, RFID tags in a passive RFIDsystem do not actively send out a signal before receiving a prompt.Instead, passive RFID tags wait to receive information from a RFIDreader before sending out a signal. Many commercially-available passiveRFID systems often operate within three frequency ranges—Low Frequency(“LF”), High Frequency (“HF”) & Near-Field Communication (“NFC”), andUltra High Frequency (“UHF”). The LF bandwidth is 125-134 KHz andincludes a longer wavelength with a short read range of approximatelyone to ten centimeters. The HF and NFC bandwidth is 13.56 MHz andincludes a medium wavelength with a typical read range of one centimeterto one meter. The UHF bandwidth is 865-960 MHz and includes a short,high-energy wavelength of one meter which translates into a long readrange. The above being said, any suitable frequency can be used.

A variety of RFID systems comprising differently-sized RFID tags exist.However, some are better suited for use in technology areas that requirethe tracking of very small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co.Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in the RFID technology field. The UltraSmall size UHF RFID tag manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. istypically no larger than 1.0 to 13 mm and enables communication betweena RFID tag and a RFID reader at distances of several centimeters ormore. Due to its compact nature, the Hitachi RFID tag is suitable forvery small products which need to be identified. Each Hitachi RFID tagcomprises an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and a sealingmaterial that seals the IC chip and the antenna. Because the HitachiRFID tag incorporates an antenna and an IC chip in a single unit, theHitachi RFID tag is convenient enough to easily affix to any smallobject using an adhesive or tape, for example.

The Hitachi RFID tag comprises a square stainless steel plate and ametal antenna. The antenna comprises a LC resonant circuit or any othersuitable circuit and is electrically connected to the plate. After theplate and the antenna are connected to one another, the antenna andplate are sealed together in a single unit with a sealing material. Thesealing material is primarily composed of epoxy, carbon, and silica toenhance the heat resistance capabilities of the Hitachi RFID tag. Thatis, the heat resistance of the RFID tag substantially depends on theheat resistance capabilities of the sealing material. The sealingmaterial has a high heat resistance withstanding temperatures of up to250 to 300° C. for shorter time periods, such as a few seconds, and isresistant to heat for longer periods of time up to 150° C. Accordingly,the Hitachi RFID tag has a higher heat resistance than conventional RFIDtags and can still operate normally even at high temperatures.Additional information regarding the Hitachi RFID tag can be found inU.S. Pat. No. 9,171,244, which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

During various surgical procedures, a surgical instrument comprising atleast one replaceable component are used. It is important that suchreplaceable components be replaced with functional and/or compatiblecomponents. Various identification systems described in greater detailherein verify, among other things, a component's compatibility with thesurgical instrument and/or verify an operating status of the component.For instance, a controller and/or an identification system can serve to,for example, ensure that the packaging containing the replaceablecomponent has not been destroyed and/or tampered with, alert a clinicianif a component is compatible or incompatible with the surgicalinstrument, alert the clinician if the replaceable component is expired,and/or alert the clinician if a recall exists for a particularmanufacturing batch and/or type of the replaceable component.

The identification systems described herein can either be active systemsor passive systems. In various embodiments, a combination of active andpassive identification systems are used. Passive systems can include,for example, a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, and/or a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag. Passive systems do not comprise aninternal power source, and the passive systems described herein requirea reader and/or scanner to send a first signal, such as an interrogationsignal, for example.

Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems communicateinformation by using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systemscomprise an RFID scanner and an RFID tag with no internal power source.The RFID tag is powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from theRFID scanner. Each RFID tag comprises a chip, such as a microchip, forexample, that stores information about the replaceable component and/ora surgical instrument with which the replaceable component iscompatible. While the chip may only contain an identification number, invarious instances, the chip can store additional information such as,for example, the manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or maintenancehistory. Each RFID tag comprises a radio antenna that allows the RFIDtag to communicate with the RFID scanner. The radio antenna extends therange in which the RFID tag can receive signals from the RFID scannerand transmit response signals back to the RFID scanner. In a passiveRFID system, the RFID scanner, which also comprises its own antenna,transmits radio signals that activate RFID tags that are positionedwithin a pre-determined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receivethe response signals that are “bounced back” from RFID tags, allowingthe RFID scanner is to capture the identification informationrepresentative of the replaceable component. In various instances, theone or more response signals comprise the same signal as theinterrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more responsesignals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. Invarious instances, the RFID scanner is also able to write, or encode,information directly onto the RFID tag. In any event, the RFID scanneris able to pass information about the replaceable component to acontroller, such as the control system of a surgical instrument and/or aremote surgical system. The RFID scanner is configured to read multipleRFID tags at once, as the RFID tags are activated by radio signals.Additionally, in certain instances, the RFID scanner is able to update,or rewrite, information stored on an RFID tag in signal range with theRFID scanner. The updates can, for example, be transmitted to the RFIDscanner from a surgical hub, or any suitable server. Various surgicalhubs are described in described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/209,395, titled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, and filed Dec. 4, 2018,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Active radio frequency identification (RFID) systems also comprise anRFID tag and an RFID scanner. However, the RFID tag in an active RFIDsystem comprises an internal power source. Active RFID systems utilizebattery-powered RFID tags that are configured to continuously broadcasttheir own signal. One type of active RFID tag is commonly referred to asa “beacon.” Such beacon RFID tags do not wait to receive a first signalfrom an RFID scanner. Instead, the beacon RFID tag continuouslytransmits its stored information. For example, the beacon can send outits information at an interval of every 3-5 seconds. Another type ofactive RFID tag comprises a transponder. In such systems, the RFIDscanner transmits a signal first. The RFID transponder tag then sends asignal back to the RFID scanner with the relevant information. Such RFIDtransponder tag systems are efficient, as they conserve battery lifewhen, for example, the RFID tag is out of range of the RFID scanner. Invarious instances, the active RFID tag comprises an on-board sensor totrack an environmental parameter. For example, the on-board sensor cantrack moisture levels, temperature, and/or other data that might berelevant.

FIG. 1 illustrates various surgical instruments that are configured toreceive various supplemental components that can be replaced during asurgical procedure. Such surgical instruments can benefit from theinclusion of at least one of the identification systems describedherein, such as an RFID system. For example, a surgical staplinginstrument 6100 comprises a handle 6110, an elongate shaft 6120extending from the handle 6110, and an end effector 6130 extending fromthe elongate shaft 6120. The end effector 6130 comprises a first jaw6132 and a second jaw 6134, wherein the second jaw 6134 is configured toreceive a replaceable staple cartridge 6140. During a particularsurgical procedure, a clinician may want to attach various supplementalcomponents to the end effector 6130. Such supplemental components, oradjunct materials, are used to reinforce the staples and/or supplementthe function of the staples. For example, a buttress, or tissuethickness compensator, 6165 may be attached to the first jaw 6132 and/orthe second jaw 6134 to accommodate for varying tissue thicknesses. Theaddition of the buttress 6165 to the end effector 6130 can assist informing a uniform staple line on the patient tissue, for example. In aneffort to facilitate attachment of the buttress 6165 to the end effector6130 and/or for storage, the buttress 6165 can be supported on amounting member 6160. In various instances, the clinician can attach alayer of hemostatic agent 6175 to the first jaw 6132 and/or the secondjaw 6134 of the end effector 6130 to promote rapid blood coagulation,among other things. The layer of hemostatic agent 6175 can improve theseal created by the staples, for example. In an effort to facilitateattachment of the layer of hemostatic agent 6175 to the end effector6130 and/or for storage, the layer of hemostatic agent 6175 can besupported on a mounting member 6170. In various instances, the cliniciancan attach a layer of adhesive 6185 to the first jaw 6132 and/or thesecond jaw 6134 of the end effector 6130 to promote healing of thetreated tissue and/or enhance the connection between two layers oftissue, among other things. The layer of adhesive 6185 can improve theseal created by the staples, for example. In an effort to facilitateattachment of the layer of adhesive can be supported on a mountingmember 6180.

As described in greater detail herein, a first RFID tag 6162 ispositioned on the mounting member 6160. The first RFID tag 6162comprises stored information, wherein the stored information comprisesdata that identifies a characteristic of the buttress 6165 supported onthe mounting member 6160. A second RFID tag 6172 is positioned on themounting member 6170. The second RFID tag 6172 comprises storedinformation, wherein the stored information comprises data thatidentifies a characteristic of the layer of hemostatic agent 6175supported on the mounting member 6170. A third RFID tag 6182 ispositioned on the mounting member 6180. The third RFID tag 6182comprises stored information, wherein the stored information comprisesdata that identifies a characteristic of the layer of adhesive 6185supported on the mounting member 6180. The surgical stapling instrument6100 further comprises an RFID scanner 6150. As discussed in greaterdetail herein, the RFID scanner 6150 can be positioned in any suitablelocation on the surgical instrument 6100 that allows the RFID scanner6150 to communicate with the first RFID tag 6162, the second RFID tag6172, and/or the third RFID tag 6182 as the supplemental component isbeing attached and/or after the supplemental component is attached tothe end effector 6130.

A surgical clip applier 6200 comprises a handle 6210, an elongate shaft6220 extending from the handle 6210, and an end effector 6230 extendingfrom the elongate shaft 6220. The end effector 6230 comprises a firstjaw 6232 and a second jaw 6234, wherein at least one of the first jaw6232 and the second jaw 6234 is movable relative to one another during aclip crimping stroke. During a particular surgical procedure, aclinician may want to attach various supplemental components to the endeffector 6230. For example, a clip 6260 comprising a first thickness maybe loaded into the surgical clip applier 6200. The clip 6260 may beloaded individually into the surgical clip applier 6200 and/or the clip6260 may be loaded into the surgical clip applier 6200 as a part of aclip cartridge. The attachment of the clip 6260 to the surgical clipapplier 6200 can be beneficial when the patient tissue is thick and/ordense, for example. In various instances, the clinician can attach aclip 6290 comprising a second thickness to the surgical clip applier6200. In various instances, the second thickness of the clip 6290 issmaller than the first thickness of the clip 6260. The attachment of theclip 6290 to the surgical clip applier 6200 can be beneficial when thepatient tissue is thin and/or delicate, for example. In variousinstances, the clinician can attach a clip 6270 comprising a pluralityof projections 6275 to the surgical clip applier 6200. The projections6275 of the clip 6270 can serve to enhance the grip between the clip6270 and the patient tissue and/or maintain the position of a crimpedclip 6270 on the patient tissue, among other things. As shown on clip6270, the projections 6275 may be attached to a thin clip. Utilizationof the projections 6275 on the thin clip is beneficial when the patienttissue is thin and/or delicate, for example. In various instances, theclinician can attach a clip 6280 comprising a plurality of projections6285 to the surgical clip applier 6200. The projections 6285 of the clip6280 can serve to enhance the grip between the clip 6280 and the patienttissue and/or maintain the position of a crimped clip 6280 on thepatient tissue, among other things. As shown on clip 6280, theprojections 6285 may be attached to a thick clip. Utilization of theprojections 6285 on the thick clip is beneficial when the patient tissueis thick and/or dense, for example.

As described in greater detail herein, a first RFID tag 6262 ispositioned on the first clip 6260. The first RFID tag 6162 comprisesstored information, wherein the stored information comprises data thatidentifies a characteristic of the clip 6260. A second RFID tag 6272 ispositioned on the second clip 6270. The second RFID tag 6272 comprisesstored information, wherein the stored information comprises data thatidentifies a characteristic of the second clip 6270. A third RFID tag6282 is positioned on the third clip 6280. The third RFID tag 6282comprises stored information, wherein the stored information comprisesdata that identifies a characteristic of the third clip 6280. A fourthRFID tag 6292 is positioned on the fourth clip 6290. The fourth RFID tag6292 comprises stored information, wherein the stored informationcomprises data that identifies a characteristic of the fourth clip 6290.The surgical clip applier 6200 further comprises an RFID scanner 6250.As discussed in greater detail herein, the RFID scanner 6250 can bepositioned in any suitable location on the surgical instrument 6200 thatallows the RFID scanner 6250 to communicate with the first RFID tag6262, the second RFID tag 6272, the third RFID tag 6282, and/or thefourth RFID tag 6292 as the supplemental component is being and/or afterthe supplemental component is attached to the suturing device 6200.

A surgical suturing device 6300 comprises a handle 6310, an elongateshaft 6320 extending from the handle 6310, and an end effector 6330extending from the elongate shaft 6320. The end effector 6330 comprisesa needle track configured to receive a portion of a replaceable needle.During a particular surgical procedure, a clinician may want to attachvarious supplemental components to the end effector 6330. Different knottying mechanisms and/or different suture termination elements can beused to finish a line of sutures instead of tying a knotlaparoscopically. For example, a needle 6360 comprising a firstthickness may be loaded into the end effector 6330. The needle 6360comprises a first end 6364 and a second end 6366. The first end 6364comprises a pointed tip that comprises a first degree of sharpness. Thesecond end 6366 comprises a suturing material 6365 attached thereto. Theattachment of the shaft needle 6360 to the end effector 6330 can bebeneficial when the patient tissue is thick and/or dense, for example.In various instances, the clinician can attach a needle 6370 comprisinga second thickness to the end effector 6330. In various instances, thesecond thickness of the clip 6370 is smaller than the first thickness ofthe clip 6360. The clip 6370 further comprises a first end 6374comprising a pointed tip that comprises a second degree of sharpness. Invarious instances, the second degree of sharpness of the clip 6370 isless than the first degree of sharpness of the clip 6360. The second end6376 comprises a suturing material 6375 attached thereto. The attachmentof the needle 6370 to the end effector 6330 can be beneficial when thepatient tissue is thin and/or delicate, for example. In variousinstances, the clinician can select a particular suturing material to beattached to the replaceable needle. For example, a first suturingmaterial 6385 can be made of a first material, comprise a first length,and/or comprise a first thickness. The first suturing material 6385 canbe stored in a first packaging 6380 prior to attachment to a replaceableneedle. A second suturing material 6395 can be made of a secondmaterial, comprise a second length, and/or comprise a second thickness.The second suturing material 6395 can be stored in a second packaging6390 prior to attachment to a replaceable needle.

As described in greater detail herein, a first RFID tag 6362 ispositioned on the first replaceable needle 6360. The first RFID tag 6362comprises stored information, wherein the stored information comprisesdata that identifies a characteristic of the replaceable needle 6360and/or the suturing material 6365 attached thereto. A second RFID tag6372 is positioned on the second replaceable needle 6370. The secondRFID tag 6372 comprises stored information, wherein the storedinformation comprises data that identifies a characteristic of thesecond replaceable needle 6370 and/or the suturing material 6375attached thereto. A third RFID tag 6382 is positioned on the packaging6380 of the third suturing material 6385. The third RFID tag 6382comprises stored information, wherein the stored information comprisesdata that identifies a characteristic of the third suturing material6385. A fourth RFID tag 6392 is positioned on the packaging 6390 of thefourth suturing material 6395. The fourth RFID tag 6392 comprises storedinformation, wherein the stored information comprises data thatidentifies a characteristic of the fourth suturing material 6390. Thesurgical suturing device 6300 further comprises an RFID scanner 6350. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, the RFID scanner 6350 can bepositioned in any suitable location on the surgical instrument 6300 thatallows the RFID scanner 6350 to communicate with the first RFID tag 6362and/or the second RFID tag 6372 as one of the replaceable needles 6360,6370 is being positioned and/or after the replaceable needle ispositioned within the needle track of the end effector 6330 and/or tocommunicate with the third RFID tag 6382 and/or the fourth RFID tag 6392when the packaging 6380, 6390 is brought within a pre-defined distancefrom the RFID scanner 6300.

Supplemental components, such as, for example, the buttress 6165, thehemostatic agent 6175, and/or the adhesive 6185, are contained within asealed packaging after being manufactured until the packaging in openedin the operating room. In various instances, the supplemental componentis supported on a mounting member within the packaging, for example, tofacilitate storage and/or facilitate attachment of the supplementalcomponent to the surgical instrument. Various forms of packaginginclude, for example, peel-pouches, woven and/or non-woven materialwrappers, and rigid containers.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a sealed packaging 7000. The depictedpackaging 7000 is a peel-pouch. The packaging 7000 comprises a firstlayer 7010 and a second layer 7020. The first layer 7010 and the secondlayer 7020 form a protective barrier around a layer of hemostatic agent7175, which is configured to be attached to a surgical staple cartridge.The layer of hemostatic agent 7175 is supported on a mounting member7170 prior to the attachment of the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 to asurgical instrument. The mounting member 7170 comprises retentionmembers 7171 configured to receive a portion of the layer of hemostaticagent 7175 and to, for example, facilitate alignment of the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175. An adhesive bonds the first layer 7010 and thesecond layer 7020 together to form an airtight and/or fluid-tight sealand/or pouch around the layer of hemostatic agent 7175. The adhesiveforms a seal without creases, wrinkles, and/or gaps. The seal created bythe adhesive prevents contaminants from coming into contact with thelayer of hemostatic agent 7175 and/or prevents components of the layerof hemostatic agent 7175 from being misplaced, for example. In variousinstances, the hemostatic agent 7175 is hermetically sealed within thepackaging 7000. In various instances, the packaging 7000 provides acompletely fluid-tight and airtight seal.

The first layer 7010 and the second layer 7020 are comprised of amaterial such as, for example, paper with a laminated inner surface. Thelaminated inner surface provides a barrier to prevent contaminants fromentering the sealed portion of the packaging 7000. In various instances,the first layer 7010 and the second layer 7020 are comprised of plastic.The first layer 7010 and the second layer 7020 can be comprised of amaterial with a particular degree of transparency to allow a clinician,for example, to observe the contents of the packaging 7000 prior tobreaking the seal. The above being said, any suitable material and/orcombinations of materials can be used for the first layer 7010 and/orthe second layer 7020. The first layer 7010 comprises a first portionpositioned outside of the seal, and the second layer 7020 comprises asecond portion positioned outside of the seal. The clinician can exposethe sealed layer of hemostatic agent 7175 by holding the first portionand the second portion in separate hands and pulling the first portionin a direction away from the second layer 7020, although any suitableopening method can be used.

FIG. 2 depicts an RFID system 7500 integrated with the packaging 7000.The RFID system 7500 comprises an RFID tag 7172 and an insulator 7050.The RFID tag 7172 comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example,that stores information about the packaging 7000 and/or the contents ofthe packaging 7000. In various instances, the chip comprises anidentification number. Such an identification number can be assigned tothe chip that can communicate the chip's existence to an RFID scanner.In various instances, the chip comprises additional information such as,for example, manufacturing data, shipping data, and/or compatibilitydata. The RFID tag 7172 further comprises a radio antenna 7173configured to facilitate communication between the RFID tag 7172 and theRFID scanner.

The insulator 7050 is attached to the first layer 7010 of the packaging7000, while the RFID tag 7172 is attached to a mounting member 7170supporting the layer of hemostatic agent 7175. When the packaging 7000is in a sealed configuration, the insulator 7050 is affixed to, orotherwise connected to an integrated battery 7176 of the RFID tag 7172.The integrated battery 7176 is activated when the packaging 7000 isopened. Prior to the packaging 7000 being opened, the interface betweenthe insulator 7050 and the integrated battery 7176 prevents theintegrated battery 7176 from providing power to the RFID tag 7172. Insuch instances, the RFID tag 7172 is unable to emit a signal. When aclinician breaks the seal of the packaging 7000 by peeling the firstlayer 7010 away from the second layer 7020, the insulator 7050 isdisconnected, or otherwise disassociated, from the integrated battery7176 of the RFID tag 7172. Upon disassociation of the insulator 7050from the integrated battery 7176, the circuit between the integratedbattery 7176 and the RFID tag 7172 is closed, and the RFID tag 7172 isenergized. As shown in FIG. 2 , the RFID tag 7172 begins emitting asignal 7174 upon being energized. The RFID tag 7172 is configured toemit the signal 7174 at any appropriate frequency and/or for anyappropriate duration. For example, the RFID tag 7172 can continuouslyemit the signal 7174 or the RFID tag 7172 can emit the signal 7174 every3-5 seconds. The signal 7174 comprises some, or all, of the informationstored on the chip of the RFID tag 7172. In various instances, thesignal 7174 may serve to alert a surgical instrument that the packaging7000 has been tampered with during shipping and/or storage or simplythat the packaging 7000 has been unsealed, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an RFID system and/or controlsystem 7400 of the surgical stapling instrument and/or tool 7100;however the control system 7400 can be adapted for use with alternativesurgical instruments and/or tools, such as the surgical clip applier7200 and/or the surgical suturing device 7300 described in greaterdetail herein. The control system 7400 includes a control circuit 1210that can be integrated with the RFID scanner, such as RFID scanner 7408a or can be coupled to, but positioned separately from, the RFID scanner7408 a. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive input fromthe RFID scanner 7408 a indicative of the information stored in the RFIDtag 7406 a about the supplemental component 7175 and/or informationabout the packaging 7000 of the supplemental component 7175. In variousinstances, the RFID system 7400 comprises more than one RFID scanner7408 b-h and/or more than one RFID tag 7406 b-h. The RFID scanners 7408a-h are communicably coupled to that the control circuit 1210 canreceive data from the RFID scanners 7408 a-h and then take variousactions based upon the read data, as are described below.

In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 includes amicrocontroller 1213 that has a processor 1214 and a storage medium suchas, for example, a memory 1212. The memory 1212 stores programinstructions for performing various processes such as, for example,identity verification. The program instructions, when executed by theprocessor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to verify the identity of thepackaging 7000 and/or the supplemental component 7175 by comparing theidentification information received from the RFID tag(s) 7406 a-h toidentification information stored in the memory 1212 in the form of anidentity database or look-up table, for example. In various examples,the memory 1212 comprises a local memory of the instrument 7100. Inother examples, identity databases or tables and/or compatibilitydatabases or tables can be downloaded from a remote server. In variousaspects, the instrument 7100 may transmit the information received fromRFID tag(s) 7406 a-7406 h to a remote server that stores the databasesor tables for performing the identity and/or compatibility checksremotely.

The RFID tag 7172 is configured to communicate with an RFID scanner.Once the insulator 7050 has been removed, the integrated battery 7176 ofthe RFID tag 7172 allows the RFID tag 7172 to emit the signal 7174 priorto receiving a first signal, such as an interrogation signal, from theRFID scanner. The RFID scanner comprises a scanner antenna configured totransmit and/or receive radio signals 7174 from the RFID tag 7172. Invarious instances, the RFID scanner comprises reading and writingcapabilities. The RFID scanner is configured to pass the collectedinformation from the RFID tag 7172 to a controller of the surgicalinstrument for further interpretation. In various instances, thecontroller is configured to determine if the supplemental component iscompatible with the particular surgical instrument. In variousinstances, the controller is configured to activate a lockout assembly7179 to prevent the surgical instrument from performing a function withthe firing drive assembly 1163 such as, for example, a staple firingstroke, a suture firing stroke, and/or a clip crimping stroke if thecontroller determines that the supplemental component is not compatiblewith the particular surgical instrument and/or for use during theparticular surgical procedure. Various lockout assemblies are describedin greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, which issuedon Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTHAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, which issuedon May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTHAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued onFeb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTHAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued on Jan. 24, 2006; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING ANE-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which issued on Dec. 27, 2005, the disclosuresof which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. TheRFID scanner is positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID tag7172 that allows for the RFID scanner to be able to receive the emittedsignal 7174 transmitted by the RFID tag 7172. Depending on theapplication, the RFID scanner can be positioned on a surgicalinstrument, on the contents of the packaging, and/or remotely located ona console, such as a remote surgical system in communication with thesurgical instrument. Additionally, the controller can be located in anysuitable location, such as, for example, the surgical instrument or on aremote console.

In various instances, the tag antenna of the RFID tag 7172 is destroyedand/or is otherwise rendered inoperable as the packaging 7000 is openedand/or after the packaging 7000 is opened. The RFID tag 7172 is unableto transmit and/or receive communication and/or signals from an RFIDscanner when the tag antenna is inoperable. In such instances, the RFIDscanner is configured to receive a first signal from the RFID tag 7172before the packaging is opened. Once the RFID scanner receives the firstsignal, the controller of the surgical instrument is configured toauthenticate the packaging 7000 and the contents of the packaging 7000.If the RFID scanner does not receive the first signal from the RFID tag7172, the controller is configured to prevent the surgical instrumentfrom performing a function with the firing drive assembly 1163. Thefailure of the RFID scanner to receive the first signal is indicative ofa tampered packaging and/or an inauthentic packaging, among otherthings. In various instances, the tag antenna is still operable afterthe packaging 7000 is opened; however, the communication range of thetag antenna is diminished. In such instances, the diminishedcommunication range prevents the RFID tag 7172 from receiving and/ortransmitting communication to the RFID scanner.

In various instances, a switch is positioned between the RFID tag 7172and the power source. The insulator 7050 biases the switch open when thepackaging 7000 is in a sealed configuration, and the power source isunable to supply power to the RFID tag 7172. In such circumstances, theRFID tag 7172 is unable to communicate with the RFID scanner. When thepackaging 7000 in an unsealed configuration, the insulator 7050 isdisassociated from the RFID tag 7172, and the switch is closed. In suchcircumstances, the power source is able to supply power to the RFID tag7172, and the RFID tag 7172 is able to communicate with the RFIDscanner.

In various instances, an RFID system comprising an RFID tag mounted tothe second layer 7020 of the packaging 7000 can be used. Further to theabove, the RFID tag comprises an internal power source positioned on thesecond layer 7020 of the packaging 7000. An insulator, similar to theinsulator 7050, is attached to the packaging 7000 and, when thepackaging 7000 is opened, the RFID tag on the second layer 7020 isactivated. The insulator is attached to, or otherwise associated with,the first layer 7010 of the packaging 7000. When the packaging 7000 isin a sealed configuration, the insulator 7050 is attached to, orotherwise connected to, the RFID tag on the second layer 7020 of thepackaging 7000 and holds open the circuit between the integrated powersource and the RFID tag. The interface between the insulator 7050 andthe RFID tag prevents the power source from activating the RFID tag, andthe RFID tag is unable to emit a signal. When a clinician breaks theseal of the packaging 7000 by peeling away the first layer 7010, forexample, the insulator 7050 is disconnected, or otherwise disassociated,from the RFID tag and the circuit between the power source and the RFIDtag is closed. At such point, the RFID tag is energized and begins toemit a signal.

In various instances, the RFID system 7500 further comprises atransponder. The transponder receives a first communication from an RFIDscanner. In various instances, the first communication from the RFIDscanner energizes the transponder to a degree sufficient for thetransponder to communicate with the RFID tag. In various instances, thetransponder is energized prior to receiving the first communication fromthe RFID scanner. In any event, the transponder is configured toautomatically transmit a signal to the RFID tag upon hearing, orotherwise receiving, the first communication from the RFID scanner. Thepower source of the RFID tag energizes the RFID tag upon receiving thesignal from the transponder, and the RFID tag is able to respond to thecommunication transmitted by the RFID scanner. The transponder servesto, among other things, preserve the battery life of the RFID tag until,for example, the RFID tag is within range of the RFID scanner.

As described in greater detail herein, it is valuable for a clinician tobe able to verify the compatibility of a supplemental component for usewith a particular surgical instrument and/or for use during a particularsurgical procedure. For various reasons, it can be also be meaningfulfor a clinician to be able to ensure that the supplemental component hasnot been previously used and/or tampered with. The clinician may alsowant to confirm, for example, that the supplemental component is notcontaminated, that the supplemental component is intact, and/or that thesupplemental component comprises an acceptable composition and/ordimension.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a surgical stapling instrument 7100. Asdiscussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, the surgical staplinginstrument 7100 comprises an end effector 7130 extending from anelongate shaft 7120 of the surgical stapling instrument 7100. The endeffector 7130 comprises a first jaw 7132, wherein the first jaw 7132 isan anvil. The first jaw 7132 comprises a plurality of staple formingpockets. The end effector 7130 further comprises a second jaw 7134comprising a channel configured to receive a replaceable staplecartridge 7140. The replaceable staple cartridge 7140 comprises acartridge body and a plurality of staples removably stored within thecartridge body. The plurality of staples are driven out of the cartridgebody during a staple firing stroke 1163. In an effort to, for example,promote rapid blood coagulation, of patient tissue affected during thestaple firing and tissue cutting stroke 1163, the clinician can attach alayer of hemostatic agent 7175 to the end effector 7130 prior toperforming the staple firing stroke 1163. In various instances, thelayer of hemostatic agent 7175 is attached to a deck surface of thecartridge body. In various instances, the layer of hemostatic agent 7175is attached to a tissue-supporting surface of the anvil. In any event,the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 is in contact with the patient tissueduring and/or after the staple firing stroke 1163.

As discussed above, the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 is sealed withina packaging prior to attachment to the surgical instrument. Within thepackaging, the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 is part of a mountingassembly configured to facilitate storage and attachment of the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting member7170. In various instances, the mounting member 7170 provides a physicalbarrier between the layers of the packaging and the hemostatic agent7175 and prevents the layers of the packaging from coming into contactwith the hemostatic agent 7175. For example, the mounting member 7170prevents the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 from sticking and/orotherwise adhering to one or both of the layers of the packaging. Thelayer of hemostatic agent 7175 is positioned between an opening withinthe mounting member 7170 defined by sidewalls 7177, 7188 of the mountingmember 7170. The mounting member 7170 comprises retention members 7171that receive a portion of the layer of hemostatic agent 7175. Theretention members 7171 maintain the alignment of the layer of hemostaticagent 7175 and secure the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 to the mountingmember 7170. The mounting member 7170 also provides a surface for theclinician to hold when aligning the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 forattachment to the end effector 7130 of the surgical instrument. Thesurface provided by the mounting member 7170 allows a clinician toattach the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 to the end effector 7130without having to touch or otherwise contact the layer of hemostaticagent 7175.

The mounting member 7170 further comprises an RFID tag 7172. The RFIDtag 7172 comprises a chip, such as a microchip, for example, that storesinformation about the mounting member 7170 and/or the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175. In various instances, the set of storedinformation stored on the RFID chip comprises data that identifies thetype of supplemental component the mounting member 7170 is supporting.In the depicted embodiment, the mounting member 7170 is supporting alayer of hemostatic agent 7175. However, the mounting member 7170 cansupport any suitable form of supplemental component such as, forexample, a tissue thickness compensator and/or an adhesive. As shown inFIG. 3 , the RFID tag 7172 is mounted to a sidewall 7178 of the mountingmember 7170. However, the RFID tag 7172 can be embedded within and/orattached to the mounting member 7170 by any suitable method. In variousinstances, the RFID tag 7172 can be positioned on the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175.

The RFID tag 7172 in the mounting member 7170 provides a lockout 7179for the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument will not perform afunction with the firing drive assembly 1163, such as a staple firingstroke and/or a jaw closure stroke, for example, if the informationstored on the RFID tag 7172 is not received by a controller of thesurgical instrument. In various instances, the surgical instrument willnot perform the function with the firing drive assembly 1163 when theRFID tag 7172 is still in communication with an RFID scanner 7150 afterthe layer of hemostatic agent 7175 has been attached to the end effector7130. Such a lockout 7179 prevents the surgical instrument fromperforming the function with the firing drive assembly 1163 when themounting member 7170 is still attached to the layer of hemostatic agent7175 and/or the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 has been inappropriatelyattached to the end effector 7130.

As mentioned in greater detail herein, the surgical stapling instrument7100 comprises an RFID scanner 7150 configured to communicate withnearby RFID tags. The RFID scanner 7150 comprises a scanner antennaconfigured to transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate RFIDtags that are positioned within a pre-determined range of the RFIDscanner 7150. The RFID scanner 7150 then receives one or more responsesignals that are “bounced back” from the RFID tag(s). In variousinstances, the one or more response signals comprise the same signal asthe interrogation signal. In various instances, the one or more responsesignals comprise a modified signal from the interrogation signal. Invarious instances, the RFID scanner 7150 comprises reading and writingcapabilities. The RFID scanner 7150 is then able to pass the collectedinformation from the RFID tag to a controller for furtherinterpretation. The controller can be positioned in the surgicalinstrument, the remote console, or in any suitable location. The RFIDscanner 7150 and/or the controller can comprise a stored set ofinformation that corresponds to surgical stapling assemblies that arecompatible with a particular surgical instrument and/or for use during aparticular surgical procedure.

More specifically, the surgical system comprises an RFID scanner 7150configured to interact with the RFID tag 7172 attached to the mountingmember 7170. The RFID scanner 7150 can be present in various locations.For example, the RFID scanner 7150 can be retained by the staplecartridge 7140. In various instances, the RFID scanner is powered by thebattery and/or power source of the surgical instrument. In the depictedembodiment, the RFID scanner 7150 is positioned on the second jaw 7134of the end effector 7130; however, the RFID scanner 7150 can be locatedin an alternative location within the surgical system and/or any othersuitable location that would allow for communication between the RFIDtag 7172 and the RFID scanner 7150 when the mounting member 7170 iswithin a pre-determined range of the end effector 7130. The RFID scanner7150 and/or the RFID tag 7172 are powered such that the signal(s) theyemit can only be detected within a limited radius. That said, as themounting member 7170 is removed from the layer of hemostatic agent 7175after attaching the layer of hemostatic agent 7175 to the end effector7130, the RFID tag 7172 is unable to communicate with the RFID scanner7150.

In various instances, the end effector 7130 comprises an RFID scannerpositioned on a distal end of the end effector 7130. An RFID tag isretained by a back wall 7177 of the mounting member 7170. During properattachment of the supplemental component 7175 to the end effector 7130,the distal end of the end effector 7130 is brought close to, alignedwith, and/or brought into contact with the back wall 7177 of themounting member 7170. In various instances, the communication range ofthe RFID scanner spans a distance that only encompasses the RFID tag ofthe back wall 7177 of the mounting member 7170 when the end effector7130 is brought close to and/or brought into contact with the back wall7177. Such a communication range allows the RFID tag to communicate withthe RFID scanner only when the supplemental component 7175 is fullyaligned with the end effector 7130. The communication between the RFIDtag and the RFID scanner can alert a clinician that the supplementalcomponent 7175 is fully aligned with the end effector 7130 and afunction with the firing drive assembly 1163 of the surgical instrumentcan be performed. If the RFID scanner does not receive a communicationfrom the RFID tag, the supplemental component 7175 may be misalignedand/or not fully attached to the end effector 7130, for example, whichcan lead to the formation of a non-uniform staple line, for example. Invarious instances, the controller of the surgical instrument preventsthe surgical instrument from performing a function with the firing driveassembly 1163, such as a staple firing stroke, for example. In variousinstances, if the RFID scanner continues to receive communication fromthe RFID tag when the clinician believes the supplemental component 7175is attached to the end effector, the controller is configured to preventthe function with the firing drive assembly 1163 of the surgicalinstrument. The continued communication indicates that the mountingmember 7170 is still attached to the supplemental component 7175. Insuch circumstances, the loss of communication indicates that themounting member 7170 has been removed and/or moved out of communicationdistance from the end effector 7130 and/or the supplemental component7175.

If the mounting member 7170 does not comprise an RFID tag and/or theRFID tag 7172 comprises information that is not compatible with thesurgical instrument, the supplemental component verification system ofthe surgical instrument will be unable to permit the surgical instrumentto perform a function with the firing drive assembly 1163, such as thestaple firing stroke or the jaw closure stroke. If the RFID scanner 7150receives a response to an interrogation signal that is not found withina stored set of compatible supplemental components, the controller ofthe surgical instrument is programmed to communicate an error to theclinician. Likewise, if the RFID scanner 7150 does not receive aresponse to the interrogation signal, the controller of the surgicalinstrument is programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. Invarious instances, the detection of an error by the controller canrender the surgical instrument inoperable for use with that particularsupplemental component. In various instances, a detected error canprevent the surgical instrument from performing a staple firing stroke,jaw closure stroke, and/or tissue cutting stroke. In various instances,the surgical instrument further comprises a manual override that can beactivated to allow a clinician to override any system lockout 7179 andutilize operational functions of the surgical instrument in anemergency. As discussed above, the controller is configured to alert theclinician that an error has been detected by way of an indicator 1209.Such an alert can be communicated through various forms of feedback,including, for example, haptic, acoustic, and/or visual feedback. In atleast one instance, the feedback comprises audio feedback, and thesurgical instrument can comprise a speaker which emits a sound, such asa beep, for example, when an error is detected. In certain instances,the feedback comprises visual feedback and the surgical instrument cancomprise a light emitting diode (LED), for example, which flashes whenan error is detected. In various instances, the feedback compriseshaptic feedback and the surgical instrument can comprise an electricmotor 1160 comprising an eccentric element which vibrates when an erroris detected. The alert can be specific or generic. For example, thealert can specifically state that the RFID tag 7172 on the mountingmember 7170 is unable to be detected, or the alert can specificallystate that the RFID tag 7172 comprises information representative of anincompatible and/or defective supplemental component 7175.

In various instances, the controller can be configured to select and/ormodify various operational parameters based on the identification of thelayer of hemostatic agent 7175 using the information stored on the RFIDtag 7172. Such an identification can include the material the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175 is comprised of and/or the thickness of the layerof hemostatic agent 7175, among other things. After identification ofthe layer of hemostatic agent 7175, the controller is configured topermit the surgical instrument to perform the desired function with thefiring drive assembly 1163 using the modified operational parameters.

For example, FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary process 6400 of the controlcircuit 1210. As discussed above, the control circuit 1210 is configuredto receive 6410 the information stored on the RFID tag 7172corresponding to the supplemental component, such as the layer ofhemostatic agent 7175. Using the received information, the controlcircuit 1210 is configured to identify 6420 a characteristic of thesupplemental component 7175 using the received information. The controlcircuit 1210 is configured to select 6430 one or more appropriateoperating parameters that correspond to the identified characteristic ofthe supplemental component 7175. The control circuit 1210 is configuredto direct 6440 the firing assembly to perform a function, such as astaple firing stroke, with the selected operating parameter(s).

In various instances, and as discussed above, the RFID tag 7172 cancomprise an integrated power source and become activated upon theopening of the packaging 7000. In such instances, the RFID tag 7172 cancontinuously transmit the stored set of information, and the RFID tag7172 does not need to wait for an interrogation signal from the RFIDscanner 7300 to transmit the stored set of information.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a surgical clip applier 7200. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, the surgical clip applier 7200comprises an end effector 7230. The end effector 7230 comprises a firstjaw 7232 and a second jaw 7234. At least one of the first jaw and thesecond jaw are movable toward one another during a crimping stroke. Thesurgical clip applier 7200 further comprises at least one clip. Invarious instances, the surgical clip applier 7200 is configured toreceive a cartridge comprising a plurality of clips. In other instances,the surgical slip applier 7200 is configured to receive one clip at atime. Each clip is configured to be crimped around patient tissue T oneat a time during the crimping strokes.

The surgical clip applier 7200 is configured to receive a clip cartridgecomprising a first clip 7260 and a second clip 7260′. The first clip7260 comprises a first RFID tag 7262. The first RFID tag 7262 comprisesa chip, such as a microchip, for example, that stores information aboutthe surgical clip applier 7200, the first clip 7260, and/or thecartridge attached to the surgical clip applier 7200. In variousinstances, the set of information stored on the RFID chip comprises datathat identifies the type of clip 7260 and/or clip cartridge attached tothe surgical instrument 7200. As shown in FIG. 6 , the first RFID tag7262 is mounted to an outer surface of the first clip 7260. The firstRFID tag 7262 is positioned on the outer surface of the first clip 7260so that the first RFID tag 7262 is not in contact with patient tissue Twhen the first clip 7260 is crimped. Such placement can minimize damageand/or trauma to the patient tissue T, for example. The first RFID tag7262 is positioned on a portion of the first clip 7260 that is not bentduring the crimping stroke. Such placement avoids damaging the firstRFID tag 7262 during the crimping stroke, for example. That said, thefirst RFID tag 7262 can be embedded within and/or attached to the firstclip 7260 by any suitable method and/or at any suitable location.

The first RFID tag 7262 on the first clip 7260 provides a lockout forthe surgical instrument, such as lockout 7179, for example. The clipapplier will not perform a function with the firing drive assembly 1163,such as the crimping stroke on the first clip 7260, for example, if theinformation stored on the first RFID tag 7262 is not received by acontroller of the surgical instrument. In various instances, thesurgical instrument will not perform the function with the firing driveassembly 1163 when the first RFID tag 7262 is still in communicationwith an RFID scanner 7250 after the crimping stroke has been performedon the first clip 7260. As described in greater detail herein, thecontinued communication between the first RFID tag 7262 and the RFIDscanner 7250 after the crimping stroke has been performed on the firstclip 7260 indicates, among other things, that the clip applier ispositioned too close to the formed first clip 7260. In variousinstances, the clip applier can alert a clinician of the detectedlocation of the clip applier with respect to the formed first clip 7260to prevent the clip applier from applying clips too close together, forexample.

For example, a process 6700 of the control circuit 1210 is depicted inFIG. 7 . The control circuit 1210 is configured to detect 6710 thepresence of a first clip after a crimping stroke is performed on thefirst clip. If the controller, through an RFID scanner, receives 6720 acommunication and/or signal from the first RFID tag supported by thefirst clip, the controller is configured to prevent 6730 the surgicalinstrument 7200 from performing a crimping stroke on a second clip. Ifthe controller, through the RFID scanner, fails to receive 6740 acommunication and/or signal from the first RFID tag supported by thefirst clip, the controller is configured to permit 6750 the surgicalinstrument 7200 to perform the crimping stroke on the second clip.

An additional process 6600 of the control circuit 1210 is depicted inFIG. 8 . The control circuit 1210 is configured to detect the presenceof a first RFID tag supported by a first clip 6610. If the controlcircuit 1210 fails to receive a communication from the first RFID tag6620, through an RFID scanner, the controller is configured to preventthe surgical instrument 7200 from performing a function 6630, such as acrimping stroke, on the first clip. The control circuit 1210 continuesto detect the presence of the first RFID tag 6610 until the controllerreceives a communication from the first RFID tag 6640. Upon receivingthe communication from the first RFID tag 6640, through the RFIDscanner, the control circuit 1210 is configured to permit the surgicalinstrument 7200 to perform a crimping stroke on the first clip. Afterthe crimping stroke is performed on the first clip, if the controllercontinues to receive communication from the first RFID tag 6660, thecontroller is configured to prevent the surgical instrument 7200 fromperforming a crimping stroke on a second clip 6670. After the crimpingstroke is performed on the first clip, if the controller no longerreceives communication from the first RFID tag 6680, the controller isconfigured to permit the surgical instrument 7200 to perform thecrimping stroke on the second clip 6690.

As mentioned in greater detail herein, the surgical clip applier 7200comprises an RFID scanner 7250 configured to communicate with nearbyRFID tags. The RFID scanner 7250 comprises a scanner antenna configuredto transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate RFID tags that arepositioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID scanner 7250. TheRFID scanner 7250 then receives one or more response signals that are“bounced back” from the RFID tag(s). In various instances, the one ormore response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogationsignal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprisea modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances,the RFID scanner 7250 comprises reading and writing capabilities. TheRFID scanner 7250 is then able to pass the collected information fromthe RFID tag to a controller for further interpretation. The controllercan be positioned in the surgical instrument 7200, the remote console,or in any suitable location. The RFID scanner 7250 and/or the controllercan comprise a stored set of compatibility information that correspondsto clip cartridges and/or clips that are compatible with a particularsurgical instrument and/or for use during a particular surgicalprocedure.

More specifically, the surgical system 7200 comprises an RFID scanner7250 configured to interact with the RFID tag 7262 attached to the firstclip 7262. The RFID scanner 7250 can be present in various locations. Inthe depicted embodiment, the RFID scanner 7250 is positioned on thesecond jaw 7234 of the end effector 7230; however, the RFID scanner 7250can be located in an alternative location within the surgical system7200 and/or any other suitable location that would allow forcommunication between the first RFID tag 7262 and the RFID scanner 7250.The RFID scanner 7250 and/or the first RFID tag 7262 are powered suchthat the signal(s) they emit can only be detected within a communicationrange 7252 defined by a limited radius. That said, as the surgical clipapplier 7200 is moved away from the patient tissue T where the firstclip 7260 was applied, the first RFID tag 7262 is unable to communicatewith the RFID scanner 7250. In such circumstances, the RFID tag 7262moves outside of the communication range 7252 of the RFID scanner 7250.The RFID tag 7262 is unable to transmit and/or receive signals from theRFID scanner 7250 when the RFID tag 7262 is positioned outside of thecommunication range 7252.

If the first clip 7260 does not comprise an RFID tag and/or the firstRFID tag 7262 comprises information that is not compatible with thesurgical instrument 7200, the supplemental component verification systemof the surgical instrument 7200 will be unable to permit the surgicalinstrument to perform a function with the firing drive assembly 1163,such as the crimping stroke. If the RFID scanner 7250 receives aresponse to an interrogation signal that is not found within a storedset of compatible supplemental components, the controller of thesurgical instrument is programmed to communicate an error to theclinician. Likewise, if the RFID scanner 7250 does not receive aresponse to the interrogation signal, the controller of the surgicalinstrument is programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. Invarious instances, the detection of an error by the controller canrender the surgical instrument inoperable for use with that particularclip cartridge and/or clip 7260. In various instances, a detected errorcan prevent the surgical instrument from performing a clip applyingand/or crimping stroke. In various instances, the surgical instrumentfurther comprises a manual override that can be activated to allow aclinician to override any system lockout 7179 and utilize operationalfunctions of the surgical instrument in an emergency. As discussedabove, the controller is configured to alert the clinician that an errorhas been detected through an indicator 1209. Such an alert can becommunicated through various forms of feedback, including, for example,haptic, acoustic, and/or visual feedback. The alert can be specific orgeneric. For example, the alert can specifically state that the firstRFID tag 7262 on the first clip 7260 is unable to be detected, or thealert can specifically state that the first RFID tag 7262 comprisesinformation representative of an incompatible and/or defective clipcartridge and/or clip 7260.

For example, a process 6500 of the control circuit 1210 to determineauthenticity and/or compatibility of the clips and/or the clip cartridgeattached to the surgical instrument 7200 is depicted in FIG. 9 . Ininstances where each clip comprises an RFID tag, the control circuit1210 is configured to detect the presence of the first RFID tagsupported by the first clip 6510 through an RFID scanner. If the RFIDscanner fails to receive a communication from the first RFID tag, theRFID scanner is unable to pass along the communication to the controlcircuit 1210. In such instances, the control circuit 1210 fails toreceive the information stored on the first RFID tag 6520, and thecontrol circuit 1210 prevents the surgical instrument 7200 fromperforming a crimping stroke on the first clip 6530. The failure for theRFID scanner to detect the first RFID tag can arise from variousscenarios such as an inauthentic clip, a defective clip, and/or animproperly aligned clip, among other things. If the RFID scannerreceives a communication from the first RFID tag, the RFID scanner isconfigured to communicate the received information to the controlcircuit 1210. The control circuit 1210 determines if the first clip iscompatible 6550 for use with the surgical instrument 7200 and/or duringthe surgical procedure. If the control circuit 1210 determines that thefirst clip is compatible for use, the control circuit 1210 permits thesurgical instrument 7200 to perform a function 6560, such as a crimpingstroke, on the first clip. If the control circuit 1210 determines thatthe first clip is incompatible for use, the control circuit 1210prevents the surgical instrument 7200 from performing the function 6570.

In various instances, the controller can modify various operationalparameters based on the identification of the clip cartridge and/or clip7260 using the information stored on the first RFID tag 7262. Such anidentification can include the material the first clip 7260 is comprisedof, the number of clips 7260 remaining in the clip cartridge, the sizeof the clips 7260, and/or the thickness of the first clip 7260, amongother things. After identification of the first clip 7260, thecontroller is configured to permit the surgical instrument to performthe desired function with the firing drive assembly 1163 using themodified operational parameters.

As discussed above, the RFID scanner 7250 comprises a communicationrange 7252 that spans a distance D from the RFID scanner 7250. When thefirst RFID tag 7262 on the first clip 7260 is located a distance awayfrom the RFID scanner 7250 that is less than the distance D, the RFIDscanner 7250 is able to transmit signals to and receive signals 7265from the first RFID tag 7262. As discussed above, the surgical clipapplier 7200 depicted in FIG. 6 further comprises the second clip 7260′comprising a second RFID tag 7260′. The second RFID tag 7260′ comprisesan RFID chip and a tag antenna, and the second RFID tag 7260′ is similarin function and structure to the first RFID tag 7260. When the RFIDscanner 7250 receives signals from both the first RFID tag 7260 and thesecond RFID tag 7260′, the controller of the surgical clip applier 7200is configured to alert the clinician. Such an alert can notify theclinician that the surgical clip applier 7200 is about to crimp thesecond clip 7260′ in a location that is too close to the first formedclip 7260, for example. The controller can then prevent the clip applier7200 from performing a crimping stroke on the second clip 7260′ untilthe RFID scanner 7250 is unable to send and/or receive communicationsand/or signals from the first RFID tag 7262 on the first clip 7260.

In various instances, the information stored on the first RFID tag 7262is a first serial number that is specific to the first clip 7260 and theinformation stored on the second RFID tag 7262′ is a second serialnumber that is specific to the second clip 7260′. Based on theinformation received by the RFID scanner 7250, the controller is able tomonitor each individual clip 7260, 7260′ for compatibility with thesurgical clip applier 7200 and/or authenticity, for example. In variousinstances, the controller is further able to maintain a count of thenumber of clips remaining in the loaded clip cartridge. In suchinstances, the controller is configured to alert the clinician of thenumber of clips remaining in the clip cartridge so that the cliniciancan prepare a new clip cartridge for attachment to the clip applier7200.

For example, a process 6800 of the control circuit 1210 is depicted inFIG. 10 . The control circuit 1210 is configured to identify acharacteristic of a clip cartridge 6810 attached to the surgicalinstrument 7200. Using the identified characteristic, the controlcircuit 1210 is configured to determine a number 6820 of clips storedand/or remaining in the clip cartridge. The control circuit 1210 isconfigured to update the count of the number of clips 6830 stored and/orremaining in the clip cartridge after each crimping stroke. The controlcircuit 1210 is further configured to alert a clinician 6840 when apre-determined number of clips remain in the clip cartridge. Forexample, the clinician can be alerted when only one clip remains in theclip cartridge. In various instances, the clinician can be continuouslyalerted of the clip count.

In various instances, individual surgical clip appliers, such as theclip appliers 6200 and 7200, are configured to be interchangeably usedwith various configurations of clips and/or clip cartridges. Forexample, clips can comprise different dimensions, different strengths,different harnesses, and/or different material compositions.Furthermore, the end effector 6230 can be removably attached to theelongate shaft 6220 to allow different end effector configurations to beattached to the clip applier 6200. Such modularity requires thecontroller of the clip applier to implement different operationalparameters for each type of attached clip, attached clip cartridge,and/or attached end effector.

The surgical clip applier 7200 further comprises an electric motor 1160and a driver 1161 configured to control the operation of the motor 1160including the flow of electrical energy from a power source. Thecontroller varies and/or modifies parameters of the electric motor 1160through a motor control program. The motor control program is configuredto determine the appropriate operational parameters based on theinformation received by the RFID scanner. The motor control program cancompare the information received from the RFID tag to a look-up tableand/or database stored within a memory, such as the memory 1212. Such alook-up table and/or database can comprise recommended operationalparameters for the motor control program to implement based on thedetected attached components. Operational parameters that can beadjusted based on the identification of the identified replaceablecomponents comprise the overall motor rate, the loading force applied toa clip by the jaws of the end effector during a crimping stroke, theduration of the crimping stroke, the rate of crimping, and/or theduration the jaws of the end effector are held in a closed configurationupon completion of the crimping stroke, for example. Such operationalparameters should be changed based on the attached clip to ensure properclip closing without severing patient tissue, for example.

In various instances, the motor control program is configured to set amaximum load threshold based on the information received from the RFIDtag positioned on the attached clip and/or clip cartridge. In suchinstances, the motor control program prevents the clip applier 7200 fromperforming a crimping stroke by blocking the power source's ability tosupply power to the electric motor 1160 when the maximum load thresholdis exceeded. In various instances, the motor control program isconfigured to prevent the clip applier 7200 from performing functions1163 when other thresholds are exceeded, such as handling loads and/orelongate shaft twist loads, among others. The motor control program canimplement prevent the power source from providing power to the electricmotor 1160 after the crimping stroke is completed but before the jaws ofthe end effector are opened. Such a pause in suppling power to the motor1160 allows the jaws to hold the crimped clip in place for apredetermined amount of time. In various instances, the clip applier7200 comprises a locking member that holds the jaw in the closedconfiguration when power is no longer being supplied to the motor 1160.Such a locking member prevents the jaws from returning to the openconfiguration when power is no longer being supplied to the motor 1160.In various instances, the motor control program is configured to causethe power source to supply a minimum amount of power to the motor 1160after the crimping stroke is completed, wherein the minimum amount ofpower is sufficient to keep the jaws in the closed configuration.

The ability for the end effector 7230 to be interchangeably attached tothe elongate shaft of the clip applier 7200 requires the instrumentcontroller to vary and/or otherwise adjust the length an advancingmember must be translated to separate an individual clip from the clipsstored within a clip cartridge to a crimping position, for example. Thecontroller is configured to account for the differences in distancebetween the first jaw and the second jaw of the modular end effector7330 to appropriately crimp the clips. The operational parameters shouldalso be modified based on the attached clip to compensate for the springback and/or other responses of the clip based on the materialcomposition of the clip and the patient tissue, for example. The abilityfor the controller of the clip applier 7200 to determine theidentification of the clip material and/or size, the clip cartridge sideand configuration, and/or the end effector configuration and/orcapabilities allows the control system to appropriately adapt by settingmaximum threshold limits and/or the rates and/or speeds of performing acrimping stroke, among other things.

FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a surgical suturing device 7300. Asdiscussed in greater detail herein, the surgical suturing device 7300comprises an end effector 7330. The end effector 7330 comprises a needletrack 7335 configured to guide a replaceable needle 7360. Thereplaceable needle 7360 comprises a first end 7364 comprising a pointedtip configured to pierce through patient tissue. The replaceable needle7360 comprises a second end 7366, wherein the second end 7366 comprisessuturing material 7365 attached thereto. The replaceable needle 7360 isguided by the needle track 7335 and actuated by a firing drive through afiring stroke.

As discussed above, the needle track 7335 of the end effector 7330 isconfigured to receive a replaceable needle 7360. The replaceable needle7360 comprises an RFID tag 7362. The RFID tag 7362 comprises a chip,such as a microchip, for example, that stores information about thesurgical suturing device 7300, the replaceable needle 7360, and/or thesuturing material 7365 attached to the replaceable needle 7360. Invarious instances, the set of information stored on the RFID chipcomprises data that identifies the size of the needle 7360 positioned inthe needle track 7335, the material the needle 7360 is comprised of,and/or the material the suturing material 7365 is comprised of. As shownin FIG. 11 , the RFID tag 7362 is molded within the replaceable needle7362. The RFID tag 7362 is molded within the replaceable needle 7362 toallow the needle 7362 to travel through the needle track 7335uninterrupted, for example. Furthermore, the RFID tag 7362 is moldedwithin the replaceable needle 7362 to allow the needle 7362 to travelthrough the patient tissue T in a smooth path. In other words, the RFIDtag 7362 does not get stuck during the firing stroke and/or require anadditional force to fire the replaceable needle through the patienttissue and/or the needle track 7335 during the firing stroke. That said,the RFID tag 7362 can be embedded within and/or attached to thereplaceable needle 7360 by any suitable method and/or at any suitablelocation.

The RFID tag 7362 on the replaceable needle 7360 provides a lockout 7179for the surgical instrument 7300. The suturing device 7300 will notperform a function with the firing drive assembly 1163, such as theneedle firing stroke, for example, if the information stored on the RFIDtag 7362 is not received by a controller of the surgical instrument. Asmentioned in greater detail herein, the surgical suturing device 7300comprises an RFID scanner 7350 configured to communicate with nearbyRFID tags. The RFID scanner 7350 comprises a scanner antenna configuredto transmit radio signals. The radio signals activate RFID tags that arepositioned within a pre-determined range of the RFID scanner 7350. TheRFID scanner 7350 then receives one or more response signals that are“bounced back” from the RFID tag(s). In various instances, the one ormore response signals comprise the same signal as the interrogationsignal. In various instances, the one or more response signals comprisea modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances,the RFID scanner 7350 comprises reading and writing capabilities. TheRFID scanner 7350 is then able to pass the collected information fromthe RFID tag to a controller for further interpretation. The controllercan be positioned in the surgical instrument 7300, the remote console,or in any suitable location. The RFID scanner 7350 and/or the controllercan comprise a stored set of compatibility information that correspondsto replaceable needles and/or suturing materials that are compatiblewith a particular surgical instrument and/or for use during a particularsurgical procedure.

More specifically, the surgical system 7300 comprises an RFID scanner7350 configured to interact with the RFID tag 7362 attached to thereplaceable needle 7360. The RFID scanner 7350 can be present in variouslocations. In the depicted embodiment, the RFID scanner 7350 ispositioned on a distal end of the of the end effector 7330. Morespecifically, the RFID scanner 7350 is positioned at a first end of theneedle track 7335 adjacent the second end 7366 of the replaceable needle7360 when the replaceable needle 7360 is appropriately positioned in theneedle track 7335; however, the RFID scanner 7350 can be located in analternative location within the surgical system 7300 and/or any othersuitable location that would allow for communication between the RFIDtag 7362 and the RFID scanner 7350. The RFID scanner 7350 and/or theRFID tag 7362 are powered such that the signal(s) they emit can only bedetected within a limited radius.

If the replaceable needle 7360 does not comprise an RFID tag and/or theRFID tag 7362 comprises information that is not compatible with thesurgical instrument 7300, the supplemental component verification systemand/or the controller of the surgical instrument 7300 will be preventthe surgical instrument from performing a function with the firing driveassembly 1163, such as the firing stroke. If the RFID scanner 7350receives a response to an interrogation signal that is not found withina stored set of compatible supplemental components, the controller ofthe surgical instrument is programmed to communicate an error to theclinician. Likewise, if the RFID scanner 7350 does not receive aresponse to the interrogation signal, the controller of the surgicalinstrument is programmed to communicate an error to the clinician. Invarious instances, the detection of an error by the controller canrender the surgical instrument inoperable for use with that particularreplaceable needle 7360. In various instances, a detected error canprevent the surgical instrument from performing a firing stroke. Invarious instances, the surgical instrument further comprises a manualoverride that can be activated to allow a clinician to override anysystem lockout 7179 and utilize operational functions of the surgicalinstrument in an emergency. As discussed above, the controller isconfigured to alert the clinician that an error has been detectedthrough an indicator 1209. Such an alert can be communicated throughvarious forms of feedback, including, for example, haptic, acoustic,and/or visual feedback. The alert can be specific or generic. Forexample, the alert can specifically state that the RFID tag 7362 on thereplaceable needle 7360 is unable to be detected, or the alert canspecifically state that the RFID tag 7362 comprises informationrepresentative of an incompatible and/or defective needle 7360 and/orsuturing material 7365.

In various instances, the controller can modify various operationalparameters based on the identification of the replaceable needle 7360and/or the suturing material 7365 using the information stored on theRFID tag 7362. Such an identification can include the material theneedle 7360 and/or the suturing material 7365 is comprised of, thelength of the suturing material 7365, and/or the thickness of thereplaceable needle 7360 and/or the suturing material 7365, among otherthings. After identification of a characteristic of the replaceableneedle 7360, the controller is configured to permit the surgicalinstrument to perform the desired function with the firing driveassembly 1163 using the modified operational parameters.

The embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with surgicalclip appliers and systems such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/200,111, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629, entitledCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, which is incorporated in itsentirety herein. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict a motor-driven surgical cuttingand fastening instrument 12310. This illustrated embodiment depicts anendoscopic instrument and, in general, the instrument 12310 is describedherein as an endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument;however, it should be noted that the invention is not so limited andthat, according to other embodiments, any instrument disclosed hereinmay comprise a non-endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument.The surgical instrument 12310 depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 comprises ahandle 12306, a shaft 12308, and an end effector 12312 connected to theshaft 12308. In various embodiments, the end effector 12312 can bearticulated relative to the shaft 12308 about an articulation joint12314. Various means for articulating the end effector 12312 and/ormeans for permitting the end effector 12312 to articulate relative tothe shaft 12308 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010, and U.S.Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATINGEND EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010, the entire disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein. Various other means forarticulating the end effector 12312 are discussed in greater detailbelow. Similar to the above, the end effector 12312 is configured to actas a surgical stapler for clamping, severing, and/or stapling tissue,although, in other embodiments, different types of end effectors may beused, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices,graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/genetherapy devices, ultrasound, RF and/or laser devices, etc. Several RFdevices may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitledELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008, theentire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

The end effector 12312 can include, among other things, a staple channel12322 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil12324, for example. The handle 12306 of the instrument 12310 may includea closure trigger 12318 and a firing trigger 12320 for actuating the endeffector 12312. It will be appreciated that instruments having endeffectors directed to different surgical tasks may have differentnumbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operatingthe end effector 12312. The handle 12306 can include a downwardlyextending pistol grip 12326 toward which the closure trigger 12318 ispivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of theanvil 12324 toward the staple channel 12322 of the end effector 12312 tothereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil 12324 and channel12322. In other embodiments, different types of clamping members inaddition to or lieu of the anvil 12324 could be used. The handle 12306can further include a lock which can be configured to releasably holdthe closure trigger 12318 in its closed position. More details regardingembodiments of an exemplary closure system for closing (or clamping) theanvil 12324 of the end effector 12312 by retracting the closure trigger12318 are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS,which issued on Feb. 21, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitledMOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILEPOSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008, and U.S. Pat. No.7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURESYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008,the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector12312, the clinician may draw back the closure trigger 12318 to itsfully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip 12326. Thefiring trigger 12320 may then be actuated, or fired. In at least onesuch embodiment, the firing trigger 12320 can be farther outboard of theclosure trigger 12318 wherein the closure of the closure trigger 12318can move, or rotate, the firing trigger 12320 toward the pistol grip12326 so that the firing trigger 12320 can be reached by the operatorusing one hand. Thereafter, the operator may pivotally draw the firingtrigger 12320 toward the pistol grip 12312 to cause the stapling andsevering of clamped tissue in the end effector 12312. Thereafter, thefiring trigger 12320 can be returned to its unactuated, or unfired,position after the clinician relaxes or releases the force being appliedto the firing trigger 12320. A release button on the handle 12306, whendepressed, may release the locked closure trigger 12318. The releasebutton may be implemented in various forms such as, for example, thosedisclosed in published U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITHCLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, which was filed on Jan. 31, 2006, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Further to the above, the end effector 12312 may include a cuttinginstrument, such as knife, for example, for cutting tissue clamped inthe end effector 12312 when the firing trigger 12320 is retracted by auser. Also further to the above, the end effector 12312 may alsocomprise means for fastening the tissue severed by the cuttinginstrument, such as staples, RF electrodes, and/or adhesives, forexample. A longitudinally movable drive shaft located within the shaft12308 of the instrument 12310 may drive/actuate the cutting instrumentand the fastening means in the end effector 12312. An electric motor,located in the handle 12306 of the instrument 12310 may be used to drivethe drive shaft, as described further herein. In various embodiments,the motor may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotationof, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other embodiments, themotor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronousmotor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. A battery(or “power source” or “power pack”), such as a Li ion battery, forexample, may be provided in the pistol grip portion 12326 of the handle12306 adjacent to the motor wherein the battery can supply electricpower to the motor via a motor control circuit. According to variousembodiments, a number of battery cells connected in series may be usedas the power source to power the motor. In addition, the power sourcemay be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above, the electric motor in the handle 12306 of theinstrument 12310 can be operably engaged with the longitudinally-movabledrive member positioned within the shaft 12308. Referring now to FIGS.14-16 , an electric motor 12342 can be mounted to and positioned withinthe pistol grip portion 12326 of the handle 12306. The electric motor12342 can include a rotatable shaft operably coupled with a gear reducerassembly 12370 wherein the gear reducer assembly 12370 can include,among other things, a housing 12374 and an output pinion gear 12372. Incertain embodiments, the output pinion gear 12372 can be directlyoperably engaged with a longitudinally-movable drive member 12382 or,alternatively, operably engaged with the drive member 12382 via one ormore intermediate gears 12386. The intermediate gear 12386, in at leastone such embodiment, can be meshingly engaged with a set, or rack, ofdrive teeth 12384 defined in the drive member 12382. In use, theelectric motor 12342 can be drive the drive member distally, indicatedby an arrow D (FIG. 9 ), and/or proximally, indicated by an arrow D(FIG. 10 ), depending on the direction in which the electric motor 12342rotates the intermediate gear 12386. In use, a voltage polarity providedby the battery can operate the electric motor 12342 in a clockwisedirection wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor bythe battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 12342in a counter-clockwise direction. The handle 12306 can include a switchwhich can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electricmotor 12342 by the battery. The handle 12306 can also include a sensor12330 configured to detect the position of the drive member 12382 and/orthe direction in which the drive member 12382 is being moved.

The embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with surgicalclip appliers and systems such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/112,237, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2019/0125347, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIERCONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE, which is incorporated inits entirety herein. Referring to FIG. 17 , a surgical instrument, suchas a clip applier 13100, for example, can be configured to apply one ormore clips to tissue located within a surgical site in the patient.Generally, referring now to FIG. 25 , the clip applier 13100 can bestructured and arranged to position a clip 13140 relative to the tissuein order to compress the tissue within the clip 13140. The clip applier13100 can be configured to deform the clip 13140 as illustrated in FIGS.19 and 20 , for example, and as described in greater detail furtherbelow. Each clip 13140 can comprise a base 13142 and opposing legs 13144extending from the base 13142. The base 13142 and the legs 13144 cancomprise any suitable shape and can define a substantially U-shapedconfiguration and/or a substantially V-shaped configuration, forexample. The base 13142 can comprise angled portions 13141 which areconnected together by a joint 13143. In use, the legs 13144 of the clip13140 can be positioned on opposite sides of the tissue wherein the legs13144 can be pushed toward one another to compress the tissue positionedbetween the legs 13144. The joint 13143 can be configured to permit theangled portions 13141 of the base 13142, and the legs 13144 extendingtherefrom, to deform inwardly. In various circumstances, the clip 13140can be configured to yield, or deform plastically, when the clip 13140is sufficiently compressed, although some amount of elastic deformation,or spring-back, may occur within the deformed clip 13140.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 , the clip applier 13100 can include ashaft 13110, an end effector 13120, and a replaceable clip cartridge, ormagazine, 13130. Referring to FIGS. 26-28 , the clip cartridge 13130 cancomprise a housing 13132 and a plurality of clips 13140 positionedwithin the housing 13132. The housing 13132 can define a storage chamber13134 in which the clips 13140 can be stacked. The storage chamber 13134can comprise sidewalls which extend around, or at least substantiallyaround, the perimeter of the clips 13140. Referring again to FIG. 25 ,each clip 13140 can comprise opposing faces, such as a top face 13145and a bottom face 13146 on opposite sides of the clip 13140 wherein,when the clips 13140 are stacked in the housing 13132, the top face13145 of a clip 13140 can be positioned against the bottom face 13146 ofan adjacent clip 13140 and wherein the bottom face 13146 of the clip13140 can be positioned against the top face 13145 of another adjacentclip 13140. In various circumstances, the bottom faces 13146 of theclips 13140 can face downwardly toward one or more support shelves, orplatforms, 13135 defined in the housing 13132 while the top faces 13145of the clips 13140 can face upwardly away from the support shelves13135. The top faces 13145 and the bottom faces 13146 of the clips 13140may be identical, or at least substantially identical, in some cases,while, in other cases, the top faces 13145 and the bottom faces 13146may be different. The stack of clips 13140 depicted in FIGS. 26-28comprises five clips 13140, for example; however, other embodiments areenvisioned in which the stack of clips 13140 can include more than fiveclips 13140 or less than five clips 13140. In any event, the clipcartridge 13130 can further comprise at least one biasing member, suchas biasing member 13136, for example, positioned intermediate thehousing 13132 and the top clip 13140 in the stack of clips 13140. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the biasing member 13136 can beconfigured to bias the bottom clip 13140 in the stack of clips 13140 or,more particularly, the bottom face 13146 of the bottom clip 13140,against the support shelves 13135 defined in the housing 13132. Thebiasing member 13136 can comprise a spring, and/or any suitablecompressed elastic element, for example, which can be configured toapply a biasing force to the clips 13140, or at least apply a biasingforce to the top clip 13140 which is transmitted downwardly through thestack of clips 13140.

When a clip 13140 is positioned against the support shelves 13135 asdescribed above, the clip 13140 can be supported in a firing position inwhich the clip 13140 can be advanced and ejected from the cartridge13130. In various circumstances, the support shelves 13135 can define atleast a portion of a firing chamber 13149 in which the clips 13140 canbe sequentially positioned in the firing position. In some cases, thefiring chamber 13149 can be entirely defined within the cartridge 13130or, in other cases, the firing chamber 13149 can be defined withinand/or between the shaft 13110 and the cartridge 13130. In any event, asdescribed in greater detail further below, the clip applier 13100 cancomprise a firing drive which can advance a firing member into thecartridge 13130 and push the clip 13140 from its firing positionpositioned against the support shelves 13135 to a fired position inwhich it is received within the end effector 13120 of the clip applier13100. Referring primarily to FIGS. 26-28 , the housing 13132 of thecartridge 13130 can comprise a proximal opening, or window, 13133 whichcan be aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the supportshelves 13135 such that the firing member can enter into the cartridge13130 through the proximal opening 13133 and advance a clip 13140distally out of the cartridge 13130. In at least one such embodiment,the housing 13132 can further comprise a distal, or discharge, opening,or window, 13137 which is also aligned with the support shelves 13135such that the clip 13140 can be advanced, or fired, distally along afiring axis 13139 extending through the proximal opening 13133, thefiring chamber 13149, and the distal opening 13137, for example.

In order to advance a clip 13140 out of the cartridge 13130, further tothe above, the firing member of the firing drive can be advanced into tothe cartridge housing 13132 and, in various circumstances, into thefiring chamber 13149. As disclosed in greater detail further below, thefiring member can pass entirely through the cartridge 13130 in order toadvance the clip 13140 into its fired position within the end effector13120. After the clip 13140 positioned in the firing chamber 13149 hasbeen advanced distally by the firing member, as outlined above, thefiring member can be retracted sufficiently such that the biasing member13136 can position another clip 13140 against the support shelves 13135.In various circumstances, the biasing member 13136 can bias a clip 13140against the firing member while the firing member is positioned withinthe housing 13132. Such a clip 13140 can be referred to as a queuedclip. After the firing member has been sufficiently retracted and slidout from underneath the queued clip 13140, the biasing member 13136 canthen bias the clip 13140 against the support shelves 13135 where it isstaged for the next stroke of the reciprocating firing member. Referringprimarily to FIGS. 18 and 26-28 , the cartridge 13130 can be configuredto supply the clips 13140 to the firing chamber 13149 along apredetermined path, such as supply axis 13138, for example. The supplyaxis 13138 can be transverse to the firing axis 13139 such that theclips 13140 are fed into the firing chamber 13149 in a direction whichis different than the direction in which the firing member passesthrough the firing chamber 13149. In at least one such embodiment, thesupply axis 13138 can be perpendicular, or at least substantiallyperpendicular, to the firing axis 13139, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 18 , the shaft 13110 can comprise a cartridge,or magazine, aperture 13131 which can be sized and configured to receivea clip cartridge 13130, for example, therein. The cartridge aperture13131 can be sized and configured such that the housing 13132 of thecartridge 13130 is closely received within the cartridge aperture 13131.The sidewalls which define the cartridge aperture 13131 can limit, or atleast substantially limit, the lateral movement of the cartridge 13130relative to the shaft 13110. The shaft 13110 and/or the cartridge 13130can further comprise one or more locks which can be configured toreleasably hold the cartridge 13130 in the cartridge aperture 13131. Asillustrated in FIG. 18 , the cartridge 13130 can be loaded into thecartridge aperture 13131 along an axis which is, in at least oneembodiment, parallel to or collinear with the supply axis 13138. As alsoillustrated in FIG. 18 , the shaft 13110 can further comprise a pad orseat 13118 extending from the sidewall 13111 of the shaft 13110 whereinthe pad 13118 can be configured to be received within and/or engagedwith the housing 13132 of the cartridge 13130. The pad 13118 can besized and configured to be closely received within a recess 13148defined in the cartridge housing such that the pad 13118 can limit, orat least substantially limit, the lateral movement of the cartridge13130 relative to the shaft 13110. The pad 13118 can be sized andconfigured to align the cartridge 13130 within the shaft 13110 and/orsupport the cartridge housing 13132.

Once the clip cartridge 13130 has been positioned and seated within theshaft aperture 13131, referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , a firing drive13160 of the clip applier 13100 can be actuated to advance the clips13140 from the clip cartridge 13130 as described above. The firing drive13160 can comprise a rotary drive input such as a drive screw 13161, forexample, and a displaceable firing nut 13163 operably engaged with thedrive screw 13161. The drive screw 13161 can comprise at least one drivethread 13162 which can be threadably engaged with a threaded apertureextending through the firing nut 13163. In various embodiments, the clipapplier 13100 can further include an electric motor, for example,operably coupled with the drive screw 13161. In various instances, thedrive screw 13161 can be operably coupled with the motor of a surgicalinstrument system comprising a hand-held instrument or a robotic arm,for example. In any event, the movement of the firing nut 13163 withinthe shaft 13110 can be constrained such that the firing nut 13163 movesalong a longitudinal axis 13164 when the drive screw 13161 is rotatedabout the longitudinal axis 13164 by the motor. For instance, when thedrive screw 13161 is rotated in a first direction by the motor, thedrive screw 13161 can advance the firing nut 13163 distally toward theend effector 13120, as illustrated in FIG. 22 . When the drive screw13161 is rotated in a direction opposite the first direction by themotor, the drive screw 13161 can retract the firing nut 13163 proximallyaway from the end effector 13120. The shaft 13110 can comprise one ormore bearings which can be configured to rotatably support the drivescrew 13161. For instance, a bearing 13159 can be configured torotatably support the distal end of the drive screw 13161, for example,as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 .

The firing drive 13160 can further comprise a firing member 13165extending from the firing nut 13163 which can be advanced distally andretracted proximally with the firing nut 13163, as described in greaterdetail further below. Upon comparing FIGS. 21 and 22 , the reader willnote that the firing nut 13163 and the firing member 13165 have beenadvanced from a proximal, unfired position, illustrated in FIG. 21 , toa distal, fired position, illustrated in FIG. 22 , in which the firingmember 13165 has advanced a clip 13140 from the clip cartridge 13130into the end effector 13120. Referring primarily to FIG. 21 , the clipcartridge 13130 is illustrated as comprising a plurality of clips 13140stored therein wherein one of the clips 13140 is positioned in a firingposition, as described above. As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 , thefiring member 13165 can include a distal portion 13166 which can beadvanced into the staple cartridge 13130 along a firing axis 13167 andengage the clip 13140 positioned in the firing position when the firingmember 13165 and the firing nut 13163 are advanced distally. In somecases, the firing member 13165 can comprise a linear member while, inother cases, the distal end 13166 of the firing member 13165 can extendupwardly from the firing member 13165, for example. Further to theabove, the firing member 13165 can advance the clip 13140 distally outof the clip cartridge 13130 along the firing axis 13167 and into areceiving cavity 13122 defined in the end effector 13120.

In various cases, the firing member 13165 can be attached to and extenddistally from the firing nut 13163 while, in other cases, the firingmember 13165 and the firing nut 13163 can be operably connected to oneanother by a firing actuator 13168. The firing actuator 13168 can bepivotably mounted to the firing member 13165 at a pivot 13169 and caninclude a distal arm 13170 a and a proximal arm 13170 b which can beengaged with a longitudinal slot 13113 defined in the housing 13112 ofthe shaft 13110. In at least one such embodiment, each of the arms 13170a, 13170 b can include a projection, such as projections 13171 a and13171 b, respectively, extending therefrom which can be configured toslide within the longitudinal slot 13113. Further to the above, thefiring nut 13163 can further include a firing pin 13172 extendingtherefrom which can be configured to engage the distal arm 13170 a inorder to advance the actuator 13168 and the firing member 13165distally, as described above. In use, referring again to the progressionillustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 , the firing nut 13163 can be advanceddistally by the drive screw 13161 wherein the firing pin 13172, which ispositioned intermediate the distal arm 13170 a and the proximal arm13170 b, can contact the distal arm 13170 a and drive the actuator 13168and the firing member 13165 distally. As the actuator 13168 is advanceddistally, the actuator 13168 may be prevented from rotating about thepivot pin 13169 as one or both of the projections 13171 a and 13171 bsliding in the shaft slot 13113 can be prevented from being movedlaterally relative to the longitudinal shaft slot 13113 until theactuator 13168 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 22 .

Once a clip 13140 has been positioned within the receiving cavity 13122,further to the above, the clip 13140 can be deformed by a crimping drive13180, for example. Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20 , the end effector13120 of the clip applier 13100 can further comprise a first jaw 13123 aand a second jaw 13123 b wherein the first jaw 13123 a and the secondjaw 13123 b can at least partially define the receiving chamber 13122.As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the first jaw 13123 a can comprise afirst channel 13124 a and the second jaw 13123 b can comprise a secondchannel 13124 b which can each be configured to receive and support atleast a portion of a clip 13140 therein. The first jaw 13123 a can bepivotably coupled to a frame 13111 of the shaft 13110 by a pin 13125 aand the second jaw 13123 b can be pivotably coupled to the frame 13111by a pin 13125 b. In use, the crimping drive 13180 can be configured torotate the first jaw 13123 a toward the second jaw 13123 b and/or rotatethe second jaw 13123 b toward the first jaw 13123 a in order to compressthe clip 13140 positioned therebetween. In at least one such embodiment,the crimping drive 13180 can comprise a cam actuator 13181 which can beconfigured to engage a first cam surface 13126 a defined on the firstjaw 13123 a and a second cam surface 13126 b on the second jaw 13123 bin order to pivot the first jaw 13123 a and the second jaw 13123 btoward one another. The cam actuator 13181 can comprise a collar whichat least partially surrounds the first jaw 13123 a and the second jaw13123 b. In at least one such embodiment, the collar can comprise aninner cam surface 13182 which can be contoured to contact the camsurfaces 13126 a, 13126 b of the jaws 13123 a, 13123 b and drive theminwardly toward one another. In various circumstances, the clip 13140positioned within the receiving chamber 13122 defined in the endeffector 13120 can be positioned relative to tissue before the crimpingdrive 13180 is actuated. In some circumstances, the crimping drive 13180can be at least partially actuated prior to positioning the clip 13140relative to the tissue in order to at least partially compress the clip13140. In certain instances, the clip 13140 and the receiving chamber13122 can be sized and configured such that the clip 13140 can be biasedor flexed inwardly when the end effector 13120 is in its unactuatedstate, as illustrated in FIG. 19 . In various instances, the crimpingfirst jaw 13123 a and the second jaw 13123 b can be actuated toelastically crimp and/or permanently crimp the clip 13140 positionedtherebetween.

Further to the above, the firing nut 13163 can be configured to actuatethe crimping drive 13180. More particularly, referring now to FIG. 23 ,the crimping drive 13180 can comprise a crimping actuator 13188 operablycoupled with the cam actuator 13181 wherein the crimping actuator 13188can be selectively engaged by the firing nut 13163 as the firing nut13163 is advanced distally as described above. In at least one suchembodiment, the firing nut 13163 can further comprise a second firingpin, such as firing pin 13184, for example, extending therefrom whichcan be configured to engage the crimping actuator 13188 as the firingnut 13163 is advancing the firing actuator 13168. Referring again toFIG. 23 , the crimping actuator 13188 is positioned in an unactuatedposition and, when the firing nut 13163 is advanced sufficiently toengage a distal arm 13190 a of the crimping actuator 13188, the firingnut 13163 can rotate the crimping actuator 13188 upwardly into anactuated position as illustrated in FIG. 24 . As also illustrated inFIG. 24 , the distal arm 13190 a and a proximal arm 13190 b can eachcomprise a projection, such as projections 13191 a and 13191 b,respectively, extending therefrom which can be positioned within asecond longitudinal slot defined in shaft 13110, such as slot 13115, forexample. As the crimping actuator 13188 is rotated upwardly from itsunactuated position about a pivot 13189, the projections 13191 a and13191 b can move from the proximal curved end 13116 of the longitudinalslot 13115 into a portion of the longitudinal slot 13115 which issubstantially linear. Similar to the above, the sidewalls of thelongitudinal slot 13115 can be configured to confine the movement of thecrimping actuator 13188 along a longitudinal path and can be configuredto limit or prevent the rotation of the crimping actuator 13188 once thecrimping actuator 13188 has been rotated upwardly into an at leastpartially actuated position, as discussed above. As the reader willunderstand, the firing pin 13172 of the firing drive 13160 and thefiring pin 13184 of the crimping drive 13180 both extend from the firingnut 13163. For the sake of expediency and demonstration, the firing pins13172 and 13184 are illustrated as extending from the same side of thefiring nut 13163; however, it is envisioned that the firing pin 13172can extend from a first lateral side of the firing nut 13163 while thefiring pin 13184 can extend from the other lateral side of the firingnut 13163. In such circumstances, the firing actuator 13168 can bepositioned alongside the first lateral side of the drive screw 13161 andthe crimping actuator 13188 can be positioned alongside the oppositelateral side of the drive screw 13161. Correspondingly, the longitudinalslot 13113 can be defined in a first lateral side of the shaft housing13112 while the longitudinal slot 13115 can be defined in the oppositelateral side of the shaft housing 13112.

Further to the above, the cam actuator 13181 can be operably coupledwith crimping actuator 13188 such that, when the crimping actuator 13188is advanced distally by the firing nut 13163, the cam actuator 13181 canbe advanced distally, as illustrated in FIG. 24 , until the distalprojection 13191 a extending from the distal arm 13190 a reaches thedistal end 13117 of the longitudinal slot 13115. In such a distalposition, the cam actuator 13181 may be in a fully advanced position andthe clip 13140 positioned within the receiving chamber 13122 can be in afully deformed or crimped configuration. Thereafter, the cam actuator13181 can be retracted and the end effector 13120 can be reopened. Moreparticularly, the drive screw 13161 can be rotated in an oppositedirection in order to move the firing nut 13163 proximally and retractthe cam actuator 13181 wherein, in certain instances, the end effector13120 can further include a biasing member which can be configured tobias the first jaw 13123 and the second jaw 13123 b from the closed, orfired, position illustrated in FIG. 20 into the open, or unfired,position illustrated in FIG. 19 .

The embodiments disclosed herein are configured for use with surgicalsuturing instruments and systems such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/112,168, filed on Aug. 24, 2018, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2019/0125336, entitled SURGICAL SUTURINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/832,786, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,905, entitled CIRCULARNEEDLE APPLIER WITH OFFSET NEEDLE AND CARRIER TRACKS; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/721,244, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0345958, entitled SURGICAL NEEDLE WITH RECESSED FEATURES; andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/740,724, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0367243, entitled SUTURING INSTRUMENT WITHMOTORIZED NEEDLE DRIVE, which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties herein. The embodiments discussed herein are also usable withthe instruments, systems, and methods disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/908,021, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITHREMOTE RELEASE, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/908,012, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING DUAL ROTATABLE MEMBERSTO EFFECT DIFFERENT TYPES OF END EFFECTOR MOVEMENT, filed on Feb. 28,2018, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/908,040, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ROTARY DRIVE SELECTIVELY ACTUATING MULTIPLE END EFFECTORFUNCTIONS, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/908,057, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ROTARY DRIVE SELECTIVELYACTUATING MULTIPLE END EFFECTOR FUNCTIONS, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/908,058, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH MODULAR POWER SOURCES, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/908,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITHSENSOR AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS, filed on Feb. 28, 2018, which areincorporated in their entireties herein. Generally, these surgicalsuturing instruments comprise, among other things, a shaft, an endeffector attached to the shaft, and drive systems positioned within theshaft to transfer motion from a source motion to the end effector. Themotion source can comprise a manually driven actuator, an electricmotor, and/or a robotic surgical system. The end effector comprises abody portion, a needle track defined within the body portion, and aneedle driver configured to drive a needle through a rotational firingstroke. The needle is configured to be guided through its rotationalfiring stroke within the body portion by the needle track. In variousinstances, the needle driver is similar to that of a ratchet system. Inat least one instance, the needle driver is configured to drive theneedle through a first half of the rotational firing stroke which placesthe needle in a hand-off position—a position where a tissue-puncturingend of the needle has passed through the target tissue and reentered thebody portion of the end effector. At such point, the needle driver canbe returned to its original position to pick up the tissue-puncturingend of the needle and drive the needle through a second half of itsrotational firing stroke. Once the needle driver pulls the needlethrough the second half of its rotational firing stroke, the needledriver is then returned to its original unfired position to grab theneedle for another rotational firing stroke. The drive systems can bedriven by one or more motors and/or manual drive actuation systems. Theneedle comprises suturing material, such as thread, for example,attached thereto. The suturing material is configured to be pulledthrough tissue as the needle is advanced through its rotational firingstroke to seal the tissue and/or attached the tissue to anotherstructure, for example.

FIGS. 29-33 depict a surgical suturing instrument 94000 configured tosuture the tissue of a patient. The surgical suturing instrument 94000comprises a handle 94100, a shaft 94200 extending distally from thehandle 94100, and an end effector 94300 attached to the shaft 94200 byway of an articulation joint 94210. The handle 94100 comprises a firingtrigger 94110 configured to actuate a firing drive of the surgicalsuturing instrument 94000, a first rotational actuator 94120 configuredto articulate the end effector 94300 about an articulation axis AAdefined by the articulation joint 94210, and a second rotationalactuator 94130 configured to rotate the end effector 94300 about alongitudinal axis LA defined by the end effector 94300. The surgicalsuturing instrument 94000 further comprises a flush port 94140. Examplesof surgical suturing devices, systems, and methods are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/832,786, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,905,entitled CIRCULAR NEEDLE APPLIER WITH OFFSET NEEDLE AND CARRIER TRACKS;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/721,244, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0345958, entitled SURGICAL NEEDLE WITH RECESSEDFEATURES; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/740,724, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367243, entitled SUTURINGINSTRUMENT WITH MOTORIZED NEEDLE DRIVE, which are incorporated byreference in their entireties herein.

FIG. 34 depicts a handle assembly 95200 that is operable for use asurgical suturing instrument. The handle assembly 95200 is connected toa proximal end of a shaft. The handle assembly 95200 includes a motor95202 and a transmission assembly 95210. The motor 95202 is configuredto actuate a needle of a surgical suturing end effector by way of aneedle driver, articulate the end effector, and rotate the end effectorby way of the transmission assembly 95210. The transmission assembly95210 is shifted between three states by a double acting solenoid, forexample, so as to allow the motor 95202 to be used to actuate a needleof a surgical suturing end effector, articulate the end effector, and/orrotate the end effector. In at least one embodiment, the handle assembly95200 could take the form of a robotic interface or a housing comprisinggears, pulleys, and/or servomechanisms, for example. Such an arrangementcould be used with a robotic surgical system.

FIG. 35 depicts a suturing cartridge 93590 comprising a lower body93581, an upper body 93582, and a needle cover 93583. The cartridge93590 further comprises a drive system comprising a needle driver 93586,a rotary input 93594, and a link 93585 connecting the needle driver93586 and the rotary input 93594. The needle driver 93586, rotary input93594, and link 93585 are captured between the lower body 93581 and theupper body 93582. The needle driver 93586, the link 93585, and therotary input 93594 are configured to be actuated to drive a needle 93570through a needle firing stroke by way of a motor-driven system, amanually-driven handheld system, and/or a robotic system, for example.The lower and upper bodies 93581, 93582 are attached to one anotherusing any suitable technique, such as, for example, welds, pins,adhesives, and/or the like to form the cartridge body. The needle 93570comprises a leading end 93571 configured to puncture tissue, a trailingend 93572, and a length of suture 93573 extending from and attached tothe trailing end 93572. The needle 93570 is configured to rotate in acircular path defined by a needle track 93584. The needle track 93584 isdefined in the cartridge body. The needle 93570 is configured to exitone of a first arm 95393A and a second arm 95393B of the cartridge bodyand enter the other of the first arm 95393A and the second arm 95393Bduring a needle firing stroke. Recessed features 93574 are provided toso that the needle driver 93586 can engage and drive the needle 93570through the needle firing stroke in a ratchet-like motion. The needle93570 is positioned between the needle track 93584 and the needle cover93583. The suturing cartridge 93590 further comprises a cage 93587 thatis configured to slide over the cartridge body to attach the needlecover 93583 to the lower body 93581.

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out inthe following examples.

Example Set 1

Example 1. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein the surgicaldevice comprises an elongate shaft extending from a housing, an endeffector extending from the elongate shaft, a cartridge, a crimpingdrive, an RFID tag comprising stored data, an RFID scanner configured tosend an interrogation signal to the RFID tag and receive a first signalfrom the RFID tag in response to the interrogation signal, and acontroller in communication with the RFID scanner. The end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and thesecond jaw are movable relative to each other between an open positionand a closed position. The cartridge comprises a storage chamber and aplurality of clips removably positioned within the storage chamber. Thecrimping drive is configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw tothe closed position during a crimping stroke, wherein one of theplurality of clips is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke. The stored data on the RFID tag relates to anidentifying characteristic of at least one of the plurality of clipswithin the cartridge. The first signal comprises the stored data on theRFID tag. The controller is configured to compare the stored datareceived by the RFID scanner to a set of compatibility data stored in amemory of the controller and vary an operational parameter of thesurgical device based on the stored data received by the RFID scanner.

Example 2. The surgical device of Example 1, wherein the controller isfurther configured to permit the surgical device to perform the crimpingstroke using the varied operational parameter when the controllerdetermines the cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical device.

Example 3. The surgical device of Example 1 or 2, wherein the controlleris further configured to prevent the surgical device from performing thecrimping stroke when the controller is unable to recognize the cartridgeas compatible for use with the surgical device.

Example 4. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein thecontroller is configured to vary the operational parameter of thesurgical device based on the stored data received by the RFID scannerand the set of compatibility data stored in the memory.

Example 5. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein thestored data on the RFID tag comprises a number of clips contained withinthe cartridge.

Example 6. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein thestored data on the RFID tag comprises a type of material of which theplurality of clips within the cartridge are comprised.

Example 7. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein thestored data on the RFID tag comprises a size of the plurality of clipspositioned within the cartridge.

Example 8. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein theoperating parameter is a maximum load threshold.

Example 9. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein theoperating parameter is a lockout load threshold, wherein the controllerprevents the surgical device from performing the crimping stroke if thelockout load threshold is exceeded.

Example 10. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-9, furthercomprising an electric motor and a power source, wherein the powersource supplies power to the electric motor, and wherein the controlleris configured to vary the power suppled to the electric motor based onthe stored data received by the RFID scanner.

Example 11. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein theRFID tag is positioned on the cartridge.

Example 12. The surgical device of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein theRFID tag is positioned on one of the plurality of clips.

Example 13. The surgical device of Example 12, wherein the RFID tag ispositioned on a portion of the clip that does not bend during thecrimping stroke.

Example 14. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein the surgicaldevice comprises an elongate shaft extending from a housing, an endeffector extending from the elongate shaft, a clip comprising an RFIDtag, a crimping drive, an RFID scanner, and a controller incommunication with the RFID scanner. The end effector comprises a firstjaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to thesecond jaw between an open position and a closed position. The RFID tagcomprises stored data, wherein the stored data on the RFID tag isrepresentative of the clip. The crimping drive is configured to move thefirst jaw and the second jaw to the closed position during a crimpingstroke, wherein the clip is crimped around tissue of a patient duringthe crimping stroke. The RFID scanner is configured to receive thestored data on the RFID tag. The controller is configured to determineif the clip is compatible for use with the surgical device by comparingthe stored data received by the RFID scanner to a set of compatibilitydata, permit the surgical device to perform a function when thecontroller determines the clip is compatible for use with the surgicaldevice, and prevent the surgical device from performing the functionwhen the controller determines the clip is incompatible for use with thesurgical device.

Example 15. The surgical device of Example 14, wherein the controllerdetermines the clip is incompatible for use with the surgical devicewhen the stored data received by the RFID scanner is not found withinthe set of compatibility data.

Example 16. The surgical device of Examples 14 or 15, wherein thecontroller determines the clip is incompatible for use with the surgicaldevice when the RFID scanner fails to receive the stored data the RFIDtag.

Example 17. The surgical device of any one of Examples 14-16, furthercomprising an electric motor and a power source, wherein the powersource is configured to supply power to the electric motor, and whereinthe controller is configured to vary an operating condition of theelectric motor based on the stored data received from the RFID tag.

Example 18. The surgical device of any one of Examples 14-17, whereinthe RFID tag is positioned on a portion of the clip that is not bentduring the crimping stroke.

Example 19. The surgical device of any one of Examples 14-17, whereinthe clip comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein theinner surface is in contact with the tissue of the patient after thecrimping stroke, and wherein the RFID tag is positioned on the outersurface of the clip.

Example 20. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein the surgicaldevice comprises an elongate shaft extending from a housing, an endeffector extending from the elongate shaft, a cartridge, a crimpingdrive, an RFID tag comprising stored data, an RFID scanner configured tocommunicate with the RFID tag, and a controller in communication withthe RFID scanner. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a secondjaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movable relative toeach other between an open position and a closed position. The cartridgecomprises a storage chamber and a plurality of clips removablypositioned within the storage chamber. The crimping drive is configuredto move the first jaw and the second jaw to the closed position during acrimping stroke, wherein one of the plurality of clips is crimped aroundtissue of a patient during the crimping stroke. The stored data on theRFID tag relates to an identifying characteristic of the plurality ofclips within the cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to receivethe stored data from the RFID tag. The controller is configured tocompare the stored data received by the RFID scanner to a set ofauthenticity data, permit the surgical device to perform the crimpingstroke when the controller determines that the plurality of clips areauthentic, and prevent the surgical device from performing the crimpingstroke when the controller determines that the plurality of clips areinauthentic.

Example Set 2

Example 1. A surgical suturing system comprising an elongate shaft, afiring drive, an end effector extending distally from the elongateshaft, wherein the end effector comprises a needle track and areplaceable needle guided by the needle track and actuated by the firingdrive through a firing stroke, wherein the replaceable needle comprisessuturing material attached thereto and an RFID tag comprising storeddata. The surgical suturing system further comprises an RFID scanner,wherein the RFID scanner receives a signal from the RFID tag comprisingthe stored data, and wherein the signal is indicative of the storeddata. The surgical suturing system further comprises a controller incommunication with the RFID scanner, wherein the controller isconfigured to determine compatibility between the replaceable needle andthe surgical suturing system based on the stored data received by theRFID scanner and prevent the surgical suturing system from performingthe firing stroke when the replaceable needle is incompatible with thesurgical suturing system.

Example 2. The surgical suturing system of Example 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to prevent the surgical suturing systemfrom performing the firing stroke when the RFID scanner fails to receivethe signal from the RFID tag.

Example 3. The surgical suturing system of Examples 1 or 2, wherein theRFID scanner comprises reading capabilities and writing capabilities.

Example 4. The surgical suturing system of any one of Examples 1-3,wherein the RFID tag is positioned on the replaceable needle.

Example 5. The surgical suturing system of any one of Examples 1-3,wherein the RFID tag is positioned on the suturing material.

Example 6. The surgical suturing system of any one of Examples 1-5,wherein the RFID tag comprises an integrated battery.

Example 7. The surgical suturing system of Example 6, wherein thereplaceable needle is stored in a packaging prior to being attached tothe surgical suturing system, wherein the packaging comprises a firstlayer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layerform a seal around the replaceable needle, and wherein the RFID tag ispositioned on the packaging.

Example 8. The surgical suturing system of Example 7, further comprisingan insulator attached to the second layer which electrically decouplesthe integrated battery from the RFID tag, wherein the RFID tag isattached to the first layer of the packaging, wherein the insulatordetaches from the integrated battery when the first layer is removedfrom the second layer, and wherein the RFID tag becomes active andtransmits the stored data when the insulator is detached from theintegrated battery.

Example 9. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein the surgicaldevice comprises an elongate shaft extending from a housing, an endeffector extending from the elongate shaft, a cartridge, a crimpingdrive, an RFID tag comprising a first set of information, an RFIDscanner configured to receive a first signal from the RFID tag, and acontroller in communication with the RFID scanner. The end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and thesecond jaw are movable relative to each other between an open positionand a closed position. The cartridge comprises a storage chamber and aplurality of clips removably positioned within the storage chamber. Thecrimping drive is configured to move the first jaw and the second jaw tothe closed position during a crimping stroke, wherein one of theplurality of clips is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke. The first set of information corresponds to thecartridge. The first signal comprises the first set of information. Thecontroller is configured to determine if the cartridge is compatiblewith the surgical device by comparing the first set of informationreceived by the RFID scanner to a set of compatibility data stored in amemory of the controller, permit the surgical device to perform thecrimping stroke when the controller determines the cartridge iscompatible for use with the surgical device, prevent the surgical devicefrom performing the crimping stroke when the controller is unable torecognize the cartridge as compatible for use with the surgical device,and prevent the surgical device from performing the crimping stroke whenthe RFID scanner does not receive the first signal.

Example 10. The surgical device of Example 9, wherein the RFID tag ispositioned on the cartridge.

Example 11. The surgical device of Example 9, wherein the RFID tag ispositioned on a first clip from the plurality of clips and a second RFIDtag is positioned on a second clip from the plurality of clips, andwherein the second RFID tag comprises a second set of information.

Example 12. The surgical device of Example 11, wherein the controller isconfigured to prevent the crimping stroke when the RFID scanner receivesthe first signal from the RFID tag and a second signal from the secondRFID tag.

Example 13. The surgical device of Example 11, wherein the RFID scannercomprises a communication range, wherein the RFID scanner can onlycommunicate with RFID tags positioned within the communication range,and wherein the controller is configured to prevent the crimping strokeif the RFID scanner receives signals from more than one RFID tag.

Example 14. The surgical device of any one of Examples 9-13, furthercomprising an electric motor and a power source, wherein the powersource is configured to supply power to the electric motor, and whereinthe controller is configured to vary an operating parameter of theelectric motor based on the first set of information received by theRFID scanner.

Example 15. A surgical stapling system comprising a surgical instrument,a replaceable component assembly, an RFID scanner comprising acommunication range, and a controller in communication with the RFIDscanner. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft, an endeffector extending from the elongate shaft, wherein the end effectorcomprises a first jaw and a second jaw, and a staple cartridgereplaceably seated in the second jaw, wherein the staple cartridgecomprises a cartridge body comprising a cartridge deck and staplesremovably positioned in the cartridge body. The replaceable componentassembly comprises a mounting member, a replaceable component configuredto be positioned on the cartridge deck of the staple cartridge, whereinthe replaceable component is supported on the mounting member as thereplaceable component is being attached to the cartridge deck, and anRFID tag comprising a first set of data. The RFID scanner is configuredto transmit a first signal to the RFID tag and receive a second signalfrom the RFID tag as the replaceable component is brought within thecommunication range, wherein the second signal comprises the first setof data. The controller comprises a memory comprising a second set ofdata, wherein the controller is configured to determine if thereplaceable component is compatible with the surgical instrument bycomparing the first set of data received by the RFID scanner to thesecond set of data stored in the memory of the controller, permit thesurgical instrument to perform a function when the controller determinesthe replaceable component is compatible for use with the surgicalinstrument, prevent the surgical instrument from performing the functionwhen the controller is unable to recognize the replaceable component ascompatible for use with the surgical instrument, and prevent thesurgical instrument from performing the function when the RFID scannerdoes not receive the second signal in response to the first signal.

Example 16. The surgical stapling system of Example 15, wherein themounting member comprises a back wall, wherein the RFID tag ispositioned on the back wall, and wherein the RFID scanner is positionedon a distal end of the end effector.

Example 17. The surgical stapling system of Example 16, wherein the RFIDtag is in the communication range of the RFID scanner when the endeffector and the replaceable component are aligned.

Example 18. The surgical stapling system of any one of Examples 15-17,wherein the function comprises a staple firing stroke.

Example 19. The surgical stapling system of any one of Examples 15-18,wherein the replaceable component comprises a tissue thicknesscompensator.

Example 20. The surgical stapling system of any one of Examples 15-19,further comprising an electric motor and a power source configured tosupply power to the electric motor, wherein the controller is configuredto vary an operating parameter of the electric motor based on the firstset of data received by the RFID scanner.

While several forms have been illustrated and described, it is not theintention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of theappended claims to such detail. Numerous modifications, variations,changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents to those forms maybe implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, thestructure of each element associated with the described forms can bealternatively described as a means for providing the function performedby the element. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. It is therefore to beunderstood that the foregoing description and the appended claims areintended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variationsas falling within the scope of the disclosed forms. The appended claimsare intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes,substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of thedevices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the formsdisclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implementedin integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on oneor more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or morecomputer systems), as one or more programs running on one or moreprocessors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or moremicroprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof,and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for thesoftware and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skillin the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matterdescribed herein are capable of being distributed as one or more programproducts in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative form of thesubject matter described herein applies regardless of the particulartype of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out thedistribution.

Instructions used to program logic to perform various disclosed aspectscan be stored within a memory in the system, such as dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage.Furthermore, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by wayof other computer readable media. Thus a machine-readable medium mayinclude any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a formreadable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to, floppydiskettes, optical disks, compact disc, read-only memory (CD-ROMs), andmagneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random access memory(RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or opticalcards, flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage used in thetransmission of information over the Internet via electrical, optical,acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves,infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Accordingly, thenon-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangiblemachine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronicinstructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer).

As used in any aspect herein, the term “control circuit” may refer to,for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., acomputer processor comprising one or more individual instructionprocessing cores, processing unit, processor, microcontroller,microcontroller unit, controller, digital signal processor (DSP),programmable logic device (PLD), programmable logic array (PLA), orfield programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmwarethat stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and anycombination thereof. The control circuit may, collectively orindividually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a largersystem, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a system on-chip (SoC), desktop computers,laptop computers, tablet computers, servers, smart phones, etc.Accordingly, as used herein “control circuit” includes, but is notlimited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electricalcircuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integratedcircuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment). Those having skill in the artwill recognize that the subject matter described herein may beimplemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination thereof.

As used in any aspect herein, the term “logic” may refer to an app,software, firmware and/or circuitry configured to perform any of theaforementioned operations. Software may be embodied as a softwarepackage, code, instructions, instruction sets and/or data recorded onnon-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware may beembodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or data that arehard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.

As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module”and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution.

As used in any aspect herein, an “algorithm” refers to a self-consistentsequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers toa manipulation of physical quantities and/or logic states which may,though need not necessarily, take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated. It is common usage to refer to these signals asbits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or thelike. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to thesequantities and/or states.

A network may include a packet switched network. The communicationdevices may be capable of communicating with each other using a selectedpacket switched network communications protocol. One examplecommunications protocol may include an Ethernet communications protocolwhich may be capable permitting communication using a TransmissionControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The Ethernet protocol maycomply or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) titled “IEEE802.3 Standard”, published in December, 2008 and/or later versions ofthis standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devicesmay be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25communications protocol. The X.25 communications protocol may comply orbe compatible with a standard promulgated by the InternationalTelecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector(ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may becapable of communicating with each other using a frame relaycommunications protocol. The frame relay communications protocol maycomply or be compatible with a standard promulgated by ConsultativeCommittee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and/or theAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively oradditionally, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with eachother using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communications protocol.The ATM communications protocol may comply or be compatible with an ATMstandard published by the ATM Forum titled “ATM-MPLS NetworkInterworking 2.0” published August 2001, and/or later versions of thisstandard. Of course, different and/or after-developedconnection-oriented network communication protocols are equallycontemplated herein.

In various aspects, a microcontroller of control circuit in accordancewith the present disclosure may be any single-core or multicoreprocessor such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex by TexasInstruments. In one aspect, the main microcontroller 461 may be anLM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core, available from TexasInstruments, for example, comprising an on-chip memory of 256 KBsingle-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, aprefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KBsingle-cycle SRAM, and internal ROM loaded with StellarisWare® software,a 2 KB EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analogs, and/orone or more 12-bit ADCs with 12 analog input channels, details of whichare available for the product datasheet.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the foregoingdisclosure, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing disclosure,discussions using terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices.

One or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,”“configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “ableto,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that “configured to” can generally encompass active-statecomponents and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-statecomponents, unless context requires otherwise.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the housing portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, terms usedherein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to claims containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recitednumber (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “Aor B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art willappreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed inany order. Also, although various operational flow diagrams arepresented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of suchalternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted,reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous,reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise.Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or otherpast-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude suchvariants, unless context dictates otherwise.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect,” “an aspect,”“an exemplification,” “one exemplification,” and the like means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances ofthe phrases “in one aspect,” “in an aspect,” “in an exemplification,”and “in one exemplification” in various places throughout thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect.Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or otherdisclosure material referred to in this specification and/or listed inany Application Data Sheet is incorporated by reference herein, to theextent that the incorporated materials is not inconsistent herewith. Assuch, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly setforth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein byreference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth hereinwill only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises betweenthat incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result fromemploying the concepts described herein. The foregoing description ofthe one or more forms has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The one or more forms were chosen anddescribed in order to illustrate principles and practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the variousforms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the claims submitted herewith definethe overall scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical device for applying clips, whereinsaid surgical device comprises: an elongate shaft extending from ahousing; an end effector extending from said elongate shaft, whereinsaid end effector comprises: a first jaw; and a second jaw, wherein saidfirst jaw and said second jaw are movable relative to each other betweenan open position and a closed position; a cartridge, comprising: astorage chamber; and a plurality of clips removably positioned withinsaid storage chamber, wherein said plurality of clips comprises a firstclip; a crimping drive configured to move said first jaw and said secondjaw to said closed position during a crimping stroke, wherein one ofsaid plurality of clips is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke; an RFID tag positioned on said first clip, wherein saidRFID tag comprises stored data, wherein said stored data on said RFIDtag relates to an identifying characteristic of said first clip; an RFIDscanner configured to send an interrogation signal to said RFID tag andreceive a first signal from said RFID tag in response to saidinterrogation signal, wherein said first signal comprises said storeddata on said RFID tag; and a controller in communication with said RFIDscanner, wherein said controller is configured to: compare said storeddata received by said RFID scanner to a set of compatibility data storedin a memory of said controller; and vary an operational parameter ofsaid surgical device based on said stored data received by said RFIDscanner.
 2. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein said controller isfurther configured to permit said surgical device to perform thecrimping stroke on said first clip using said varied operationalparameter when said controller determines said first clip is compatiblefor use with said surgical device.
 3. The surgical device of claim 1,wherein said controller is further configured to prevent said surgicaldevice from performing the crimping stroke on said first clip when saidcontroller is unable to recognize said first clip as compatible for usewith said surgical device.
 4. The surgical device of claim 1, whereinsaid controller is configured to vary said operational parameter of saidsurgical device based on said stored data received by said RFID scannerand said set of compatibility data stored in said memory.
 5. Thesurgical device of claim 1, wherein said stored data on said RFID tagcomprises a type of material of which said first clip is comprised. 6.The surgical device of claim 1, wherein said stored data on said RFIDtag comprises a size of said first clip.
 7. The surgical device of claim1, wherein said operational parameter is a maximum load threshold. 8.The surgical device of claim 1, wherein said operational parameter is alockout load threshold, and wherein said controller prevents saidsurgical device from performing the crimping stroke on said first clipif said lockout load threshold is exceeded.
 9. The surgical device ofclaim 1, further comprising an electric motor and a power source,wherein said power source supplies power to said electric motor, andwherein said controller is configured to vary said power suppled to saidelectric motor based on said stored data received by said RFID scanner.10. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag is positionedon a portion of said first clip that does not bend during the crimpingstroke.
 11. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein said RFID tag is afirst RFID tag, wherein said plurality of clips further comprises asecond clip, and wherein said surgical device further comprises a secondRFID tag positioned on said second clip.
 12. The surgical device ofclaim 1, wherein said RFID tag is a first RFID tag, wherein saidcartridge further comprises a second RFID tag comprising second storeddata.
 13. The surgical device of claim 12, wherein said controller isfurther configured to maintain a count of the number of clips remainingin the cartridge.
 14. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein saidsurgical device comprises: an elongate shaft extending from a housing;an end effector extending from said elongate shaft, wherein said endeffector comprises: a first jaw; and a second jaw, wherein said firstjaw is movable relative to said second jaw between an open position anda closed position; a clip comprising an RFID tag, wherein said RFID tagis positioned on a portion of said clip, wherein said RFID tag comprisesstored data, and wherein said stored data on said RFID tag isrepresentative of said clip; a crimping drive configured to move saidfirst jaw and said second jaw to said closed position during a crimpingstroke, wherein said clip is crimped around tissue of a patient duringthe crimping stroke; an RFID scanner configured to receive said storeddata on said RFID tag; and a controller in communication with said RFIDscanner, wherein said controller is configured to: determine if saidclip is compatible for use with said surgical device by comparing saidstored data received by said RFID scanner to a set of compatibilitydata; permit said surgical device to perform a function when saidcontroller determines said clip is compatible for use with said surgicaldevice; and prevent said surgical device from performing said functionwhen said controller determines said clip is incompatible for use withsaid surgical device.
 15. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein saidcontroller determines said clip is incompatible for use with saidsurgical device when said stored data received by said RFID scanner isnot found within said set of compatibility data.
 16. The surgical deviceof claim 14, wherein said controller determines said clip isincompatible for use with said surgical device when said RFID scannerfails to receive said stored data said RFID tag.
 17. The surgical deviceof claim 14, further comprising an electric motor and a power source,wherein said power source is configured to supply power to said electricmotor, and wherein said controller is configured to vary an operatingcondition of said electric motor based on said stored data received fromsaid RFID tag.
 18. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein said RFIDtag is positioned on a portion of said clip that is not bent during thecrimping stroke.
 19. The surgical device of claim 14, wherein said clipcomprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein said innersurface is in contact with the tissue of the patient after the crimpingstroke, and wherein said RFID tag is positioned on said outer surface ofsaid clip.
 20. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein saidsurgical device comprises: an elongate shaft extending from a housing;an end effector extending from said elongate shaft, wherein said endeffector comprises: a first jaw; and a second jaw, wherein said firstjaw and said second jaw are movable relative to each other between anopen position and a closed position; a cartridge, comprising: a storagechamber; and a plurality of clips removably positioned within saidstorage chamber, wherein said plurality of clips comprises a first clip;a crimping drive configured to move said first jaw and said second jawto said closed position during a crimping stroke, wherein one of saidplurality of clips is crimped around tissue of a patient during thecrimping stroke; an RFID tag positioned on said first clip, wherein saidRFID tag comprises stored data, wherein said stored data on said RFIDtag relates to an identifying characteristic of said first clip; an RFIDscanner configured to communicate with said RFID tag, wherein said RFIDscanner is configured to receive said stored data from said RFID tag;and a controller in communication with said RFID scanner, wherein saidcontroller is configured to: compare said stored data received by saidRFID scanner to a set of authenticity data; permit said surgical deviceto perform the crimping stroke on said first clip when said controllerdetermines that said first clip is authentic; and prevent said surgicaldevice from performing the crimping stroke on said first clip when saidcontroller determines that said first clip is inauthentic.
 21. Asurgical device for applying clips, wherein the surgical devicecomprises: a shaft; an end effector extending from the shaft, whereinthe end effector comprises: a first jaw; and a second jaw, wherein thefirst jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open positionand a closed position; a clip comprising an RFID tag with stored datarepresentative of the clip; a crimping drive configured to transitionthe end effector to the closed position during a crimping stroke forcrimping a tissue of a patient by the clip; an RFID scanner configuredto receive the stored data from the RFID tag; and a controllerconfigured to: determine a usage compatibility of the clip with thesurgical device by comparing stored date; and select between permittingthe surgical device to perform a function and preventing the surgicaldevice from performing the function based on the determined usagecompatibility.
 22. A surgical device for applying clips, wherein thesurgical device comprises: a shaft; an end effector extending from theshaft, wherein the end effector comprises: a first jaw; and a secondjaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw betweenan open position and a closed position; a clip comprising an RFID tagwith stored data representative of the clip; a crimping drive configuredto transition the end effector to the closed position during a crimpingstroke for crimping a tissue of a patient by the clip; an RFID scannerconfigured to receive the stored data from the RFID tag; and acontroller configured to: compare the stored data received by the RFIDscanner to compatibility data; and adjust an operational parameter ofthe surgical device based on the stored data.